Trent Alexander-Arnold was a young boy with stars in his eyes who realised his dream to become a world-class footballer for the club he loved.
But the Liverpool and England star knows his story is not common. The road from Academy football to the Premier League often ends in crashing disappointment for the teenagers who are trying to make it and Alexander-Arnold saw the pain that rejection can cause first-hand.
It is why the 24-year-old has made a significant personal investment to launch ‘The After Academy Initiative’ – the scheme, which will be supported by Liverpool, the PFA, Under Armour and Therabody, has been designed to support those players who are released from clubs.
Alexander-Arnold – who was outstanding in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at West Ham on Wednesday – asked a question on social media last year to those players who had slipped into the wilderness following their exits from Academies and wanted to understand their stories.
He was alarmed by the amount of correspondence he received from young men who said their education and mental health had been impacted by the disappointment of being cut adrift and it made him determined to do something to help.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has set up an initiative to help aspiring young footballers who are rejected by club academies
Alexander-Arnold tweeted a video in which he introduces his project alongside Steven Gerrard
He is determined to help the 99 per cent who don’t make it to the top level of football
After speaking to many people for guidance, including Liverpool’s Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe who was particularly passionate about the idea, Alexander-Arnold has been determined to show those who don’t make it there is another life after a football – one that can be equally as fulfilling.
‘I loved my time at the Liverpool Academy, it gave me everything I have today and I’m so grateful to be in the position I’m in,’ said Alexander-Arnold.
‘That feeling of lifting trophies for your childhood club is magical and I wouldn’t swap it for anything in the world.
‘But if things didn’t work out the way they did, I could have been one of those being told the dream is over. I’m fortunate to not know what that conversation is like but I know from my friends and other former players how hard it hits and how tough it can be.
‘I’m proud of this programme as it looks to give another chance to those who didn’t make it, and I hope it is just a first step towards a brighter future for these young players.’
The platform will go live later this year and Maheta Molango, CEO of the PFA said: ‘As the players’ union, we always want to help our members use their influence and their networks to make a difference on issues that matter to them.
‘This project from Trent is a perfect example of what can be achieved by players using their platform in a positive way. Pursuing a career in football brings unique challenges in terms of personal development and wellbeing.
‘Helping players plan for their future is central to the work the PFA does. We’re excited to be working with Trent and look forward to being part of his journey with The After Academy.’
Alexander-Arnold was excellent as Liverpool continued their revival with a 2-1 win at West Ham
