Formby youngster signs for Liverpool FC

A promising young football player from Formby has signed his first contract with Liverpool Football Club’s youth academy.

Paul Murphy-Worrell, aged-eleven, has been attending training sessions with Hugh McAuley since he was five, he also plays for local team, Redgate Rovers FC.

Clare Murphy-Worrell, Paul’s mum said: “We are absolutely delighted, Paul was approached by Liverpool FC a few years ago, but I just didn’t feel the time was right for him to join the academy, not just because of his age, but developmentally as well.  

“Paul will start senior school in September; he’s definitely ready to take this step into an exciting new chapter in his life, he plays many different sports, but football is his real passion.”

"Clare attributes his achievement to dedication, determination and the professional coaching delivered by Hugh and his team.

Speaking of Paul’s success Hugh said: “I am delighted for Paul, we’re all very proud.  He is, without doubt, very talented and this signing demonstrates the club’s commitment to developing his skills moving forward.

“I wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his promising football journey.”

Paul Murphy-Worrell with Hugh McAuley 

(Top Photo: Paul Murphy-Worrell with Hugh McAuley and Wayne Woods, LFC Grassroots Recruitment Coordinator)

Hugh McAuley is an experienced football coach with a professional playing background. His playing carer started in 1966 with first team appearances at Liverpool FC amongst others throughout the Football League.

In 1982 Hugh joined the Merseyside Youth Association as Merseyside Football Development and Activities Officer. Here he organised and delivered coaching sessions and badge training to youth leaders as well as organising soccer courses for 7-16 year old.

In 1988 Hugh was approached by Kenny Dalglish asking him to return to the club to set up the clubs Centre of Excellence Programme for 9 to 14 year old players. Hugh made a huge impact on the club and in 1996 made history by winning the Football Association (FA) Youth Cup for the first time, the winning team included Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher – both trained by Hugh.

The later years of Hugh’s time at the club he spent managing and developing the reserve team. Hugh has developed world class players including Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard.

About the Academy

Eatsblished in 2011, the Hugh McAuley Football Academy will offer a range of activities including:

• Soccer Camps

• Holiday Courses

• PPA/After School Sessions

• Football Consultancy

• 1 on 1 Technical Training

• Team Training

• Pre-Season Training Schedules

• Football Lectures

Typical Soccer Camps will include:

• Expert and fun technical training

• Competitions and mini-games

• Speed, agility and quickness training

• Specialist Goalkeeper training

• Potential for Premiership Club trials.

All coaches at the Academy are FA certified, and are all First Aid trained and CRB checked.