Roy Smith is the assistant head of pre-Academy coaching working alongside Steve Gorst and Ricky Heywood.

A popular figure in Kirkby, after 16 years at the club in a part-time role, Roy joined the pre-Academy coaching team in a full time capacity in March 2023.

For the best part of two decades, Roy’s commitment and endeavour towards the Academy has been anything but part-time with players and parents across all age groups having glowing recollections of their time in the pre-academy under Roy’s stewardship.

Working with our youngest age groups which range from our U5s through to U8s, Roy demonstrates admirable levels of compassion, understanding and patience towards our young players.

He has a vast experience and expertise in youth coaching along with an unparalleled knowledge and understanding of the junior game and it is clear to see how valuable a part of our Academy Roy truly is.

Commenting on his role at the Academy, Smith said: “Over the past 16 years I have absolutely loved every minute of coming in to the Academy to work for the club I have supported all my life.

“To come onboard full-time at this stage in my coaching journey is an honour and a privilege that I appreciate every time I drive through the gates.

“Liverpool FC is an elite club and, for me, this Academy is the pinnacle of youth football. To work in this environment and contribute towards improving our young players as both players and people is something I certainly don’t take for granted.

“There’s nothing I love more than seeing the players I worked with between five to eight years of age and seeing them playing and performing for the older age groups within the club, right up to the U21s.

“I love stopping for a chat with them and their parents to see how they are getting on and, of course, they love to talk about the fun they had in their pre-academy years!

“To see them move on from us and progress through the academy age groups knowing we have given them a love for the game and the technical ability to thrive on the pitch is what it’s all about for me.”