Former Liverpool FC Academy striker Michael Yates returned to the complex in August 2014 in a coaching capacity, to take charge of the U6-U9 youth teams.

Ahead of the 2015-16 season, he took up a new role as youth development coach and currently coaches the U13s.

Michael signed for Liverpool at the age of eight and progressed through the Academy youth system up to reserve-team level, growing up and playing alongside Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard, and learning the game from first-team regulars and legends such as John Barnes, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and Steve McManaman.

After being released by Liverpool at the age of 18, Michael was asked by Steve Heighway (Academy director from 1989 to 2007) to become one of the first full-time Academy coaches while still playing semi-professional football for Burscough.

He was soon spotted by a scout from Dundee when playing for Burscough and signed professionally for them in 1998, playing in the Scottish Premier League for three years.

Michael then returned to Liverpool in 2001 as an Academy coach, responsible for the development of boys not only as young footballers but as individuals. He managed Academy teams ranging from U10-U13 over a 10-year period, planning and conducting sessions four times a week, with a Premier League Academy fixture on a Sunday.

Michael changed roles in 2010 to work in the commercial area as programme manager for the LFC International Academy, where he wrote coordinated programmes and helped develop coaches for LFCIFA and LFC partners around the globe.