Why Liverpool's academy stars have a 'car ban'

In a bid to instil discipline and responsibility among Liverpool's budding football talents, Academy director Alex Inglethorpe has introduced a new 'car ban' for the club's young prospects.

This move comes as part of a broader overhaul of the Academy setup at Kirkby, with a focus on preparing players not only for success on the pitch but also for life beyond football.

The announcement of the car ban was made public by Inglethorpe during a conversation with club legend Jamie Carragher in the Telegraph.

Inglethorpe revealed that the Academy now imposes strict guidelines on the types of vehicles young players are allowed to bring to training, prohibiting cars with engines exceeding 1.3 litres.

"It is a safety thing as much as anything," Inglethorpe explained. "I don’t want boys who have just passed their test with these big chunks of metal, but I was also fed up seeing a car park full of Range Rovers. If anyone turns up with one of them, they are parking it next door."

Salary cap and phone ban

In addition to the car ban, Inglethorpe has implemented a £50,000-a-week wage cap for Academy players and ensures that the young athletes are assigned responsibilities.

“We have a pay structure which is fairly old-fashioned. We give them jobs to do," he said. "They have to earn what comes their way first. All the other stuff is fine later. To get there, you have to do it on the pitch.”

Additionally, in a practice aimed at fostering focus and discipline: "We tell them to hand their phone over at 8.30am and give them back before they go home."

Good role models

The Academy director emphasised the importance of respect for the pathway to success, citing Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones as exemplary role models.

Both players, known for their humility and dedication, have earned admiration from senior teammates for their conduct both on and off the pitch.

"Trent is a really good example," said Inglethorpe. "When you get to the senior squad, the best thing you can do is have senior players who become your advocates.

"There was no flash watch with Trent. I remember how he drove the same car for years. He’d wear the same tracksuit. As soon as he made the step up, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana and James Milner invested time and effort to help him. It was the same for Curtis."

The implementation of these measures reflects Liverpool's commitment to nurturing not only talented footballers but also well-rounded individuals who embody the club's values both on and off the field.

As the Academy continues its evolution under Inglethorpe's leadership, the hope is that these initiatives will contribute to the development of future stars who not only contribute on the field but also bring pride to the club and its supporters.