Trent Alexander-Arnold Supports Ex-Players

Trent Alexander-Arnold has launched The After Academy, an initiative that will provide career opportunities for former academy players who wish to forge a new career path outside of professional football. Supported by the PFA, The After Academy is designed to support those who have not made it as footballers in finding a new path. Liverpool already have an alumni project in place to support those who have departed the academy, but the club has also pledged to work with The After Academy through its own programme. Alexander-Arnold’s partners, Red Bull, Under Armour and Therabody, have committed to offering opportunities as part of the new initiative, including jobs, work placements and internships across various departments. Alexander-Arnold said, “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 After Academy platform will go live later this year, with further information available via Trent and the PFA’s channels closer to launch. This initiative is a response to the reality that at the end of every season, academy director Alex Inglethorpe holds meetings with young players whose contracts are almost up, some of whom will be offered extensions and others who will be directed to interested clubs, while many will be informed of their release. Alexander-Arnold recognizes that there is a side to football that is not talked about enough – the 99% that do not make it – and hopes that The After Academy will provide former academy players with a new chance at success.