Stevie and co inspire Academy kids
The likes of Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez were among the guests as Liverpool's entire first-team and backroom team paid a special visit to the Academy to come face-to-face with the potential stars of the future.
The Reds squad spent several hours at the Kirkby complex on Tuesday afternoon, taking part in an afternoon of various activities with the youngsters aspiring to be the next generation of Anfield heroes.
The players and staff worked with every age group from the U8s to the U16s, while manager Rodgers joined Academy director Frank McParland in hosting a Q&A session with the U18s and U21s.
"Because we're not based on the same site, we never get the chance to see the young players on a day-to-day basis - but it's very important they feel part of the club," explained Rodgers, who was behind the idea for the visit.
"The youth is the heart and soul of the football club and it's great for the senior players to come down here and mix in. Overall, it'll give everyone a boost.
"The key message is that it's important you do your best. It's important for the U18s and U21s to realise you're not a Liverpool player until you've played in the first team.
"Whilst you're a youth and reserve-team player, you have to keep fighting to become a first-team player - and only then will you have arrived at Liverpool.
"That was the message today, but we've got promise here with the young talent and so hopefully they can fulfil that and take on the responsibility to be committed in their work and be better.
"A day like today, the parents and kids will remember it for the rest of their lives - they'll never forget someone as iconic as Steven [Gerrard] saying something to them. If they can take that through into their career, in 10 years' time Liverpool might have a player that goes back to what he said to them.
"My job as a manager here is to make it a one-club mentality and for the senior players to come here."
McParland added: "The style of play at the Academy matches that of the first team - fluid, touch and pass football.
"This matched with sessions such as these will go a long way in giving the youngsters a sense of connection with senior players, helping them make a seamless transition to the first team."
Upon arriving in Kirkby, there was certainly no delay in the first-team stars getting in the spirit of the occasion as Jamie Carragher took part in an U12s game with the same enthusiasm and gusto he does for a professional top-flight encounter.
"I was very impressed with the young players," said Carra. "They were so hungry to learn and soak up everything we were showing and telling them.
"I joined the Academy when I was just nine years old and I can see myself in a lot of them. That same passion for the badge that doesn't ever go away."
Elsewhere, Gerrard assisted the U8s with shooting practice, while Philippe Coutinho showed off some silky Brazilian skills to the U10s.
Later, Luis Suarez joined Pepe Reina and Sebastian Coates in taking part in a highly-entertaining U9s match.
Gerrard reflected: "I've loved the event. I loved spending time with the kids - we've got some excellent players. I spent time with the U8s today and some of the touches and technique was magical. It was great to see and put a big smile on my face.
"They asked me a lot of questions about what it's like to play for the first team and I think we should do more things like this - the first team coming down, spending time with the kids and giving them little bits of advice to help them.
"Hopefully a few of the players have taken on board what I've said to them today and it'll help them in the future.
"My advice to them is just to keep practicing as much as they can and work on every part of their game. Leave the computers and internet alone and get out there and practice on the strengths and weaknesses of your game. That will help you get to where you want to be."
The aim of the visit was to inspire, educate and encourage the Academy players in the early stages of their development.
Reina said: "My advice is to try and work as hard as you can. It's important for them to realise how hard it is to reach the top, but they have to try their best.
"There are a lot of talented players here and even in the nine-year-olds, you can already see the skills they have.
"I wish I could have had the opportunity to have trained with my idols when I was their age. It's great to see their smiles, effort and commitment - it's a pleasure for us to be here."
