The hardware needs to be upgraded too! Liverpool official: large-scale transformation of youth training bases

 5:27pm, 5 September 2025
According to Liverpool's official website, the club plans to carry out a large-scale transformation of Kirkby's youth training base. According to The Athletic, Liverpool will invest £20 million in this project. The current main stadium of the Red Army Youth Training Base will be built with a new covered dome and connected to the existing Youth Training Building, which will be the club's first full-size indoor stadium. In addition, a new grass court will be built in the outdoor area and equipped with a stand that can accommodate 500 spectators, becoming a new external competition center. Future renovation projects also include improvements in medical and sports science facilities to help young players grow. Liverpool plans to submit planning applications when appropriate, with the goal of completing all works by 2028.

Liverpool youth training director Ingerthorpe said: "This is a major statement. In recent years, the club has advanced several infrastructure projects, including the renovation of the two stands in Anfield, the construction of the AXA training center and the renovation of Melwood, providing the women's teams. As the youth training part of the club, we have always been very patient and aware of our position in the club. Now it's our turn, which makes us very excited.

"This will be our first full-size indoor court, which can match many competitors. While I think Kirkby's storm can make the players stronger, many times we have to be forced to cancel training or reduce the quality of training, and this transformation will be a huge change. ”

This phase of renovation was carried out after several new facilities have been implemented by the youth training base. Now, the base has cage courts dedicated to small games, physical development areas, skills training areas, and Pador Court, an emerging sports venue that combines elements such as tennis, squash, etc.). New floodlights have also been installed to ensure that the entire base’s courts can be used in the evening.

Ingerthorpe said: “We are benefiting from the changes this summer, and it is very important for children and their families to see these investments.” We are always committed to evaluation and innovation, and kids come here four times a week since they were six years old – you can’t let them lose their magic, you have to find new ways to make them really want to come here. Both Pador Stadium and cage Stadium played a great role. ”

This series of plans was born based on extensive research conducted in Europe. Julian Ward, technical director of Fenway Sports Group, visited more than 25 clubs and collected information and excellent practical cases. The most significant renovation plan since the opening of the youth training base in 1998 was then formulated.

Ingerthorp added: "I have known Julian for 13 years, and one of the advantages he has when he comes back is not only the knowledge he has, but also the deep understanding of us." He has had a very positive impact and has given us a lot of support in terms of infrastructure.

"The standards are very high now. Looking at the current team composition, there are huge improvements in quality and depth compared to ten years ago. This is certainly a bigger challenge for the youth training base, but we are happy to accept it. Our mission is to develop first-team players who can compete for the highest honors, and this investment will undoubtedly help us achieve this goal."