Column: I hope they all feel like Michael

He'll also outline how the Academy will help commemorate the 24th anniversary of the disaster by attending the memorial service at Anfield on Monday.

But first, Frank reflects on Friday night's FA Youth Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea...

We're disappointed with the 2-0 defeat because our boys were extremely close to getting a 0-0 draw.

Chelsea have a really talented team with some good players, but I thought that we coped with them well. We had a number of chances but unfortunately their striker, Alex Kiwomya, managed to get two goals right at the end of the game.

It was hard for the boys but we shouldn't forget that it's only half-time in the tie. And the lads are not short of inspiration here at Liverpool when it comes to battling back against the odds.

They know what they have to do now - and that's go down to Stamford Bridge in just under a week's time and fight to get back into the semi-final.

We've got a lot of young players in there at the moment - and that's not necessarily a bad thing. There are boys who are under the age of 16, playing at U18 level - at Anfield.

Also, when you're developing players, it's important that they learn how to lose. It's never nice to do that in a semi-final and to two very late goals but there's another half to go and we have a chance to show everyone what we can do.

Nights like Friday are also very special for me and all the staff at the Academy.

It's a great feeling and one of real pride to see these kids, who you have known for many years, and who have come through the system, walk out of the Anfield tunnel as You'll Never Walk Alone plays.

Some of them are still at school and yet they're lucky enough to play in front of the Kop on a Friday night.

If you made it over to Anfield for the game, you might have noticed our U8s on the pitch at half-time, showing what they can do.

These boys will be taking part in our signing night next week, when the new group of U8s sign for the club for the first time.

The very same process will have been undertaken many, many years ago by a lot of the boys who played in the Youth Cup semi. They signed at that age and then they have progressed right the way through the system.

So it was fitting really - and, of course, very exciting for our youngsters.

Our aim as we keep moving forward with our philosophy, is that we get players who sign at the age of eight, move them through the youth teams and then right the way into the first team. That's our goal.

But I'd like to move on now to something which is just as important here at Liverpool and at the Academy, as the football itself.

On Monday afternoon, all the players from the reserves and the U18s, as well as the Academy staff, will go to Anfield for the memorial service to mark the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

It's crucial that our Academy recognises what happened at Hillsborough.

We always have a chat with the players before we go to the service to explain to them and help them understand what happened at the tragedy.

Phil Roscoe and Clive Cook will talk to them so that when they go to Anfield they know how important it is that they remember the day properly.

On September 12 last year, the day of the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report, which revealed the truth about the disaster, a special vigil took place on the steps of St George's Hall.

It was a very solemn evening, but it was also a very proud night for everyone at the Academy, as some of our boys were involved in the ceremony.

They each laid down a lantern in memory of the 96 who lost their lives and I could tell that each of the lads were honoured to play their part.

The families of the 96, who have campaigned for justice relentlessly, were there, a massive crowd had gathered and it was a really emotional experience.

The experience that is essential for these young boys as they learn what it means to be a Liverpool player.

Michael Ngoo, who grew up in London and moved up here to play at the Academy, was so touched by the vigil last year, that he revealed a special message for the 96 when he scored in a match shortly after.

Michael's on loan at Hearts at the moment - he's doing really well - and on Friday night he drove all the way down from Edinburgh to watch the U18s play at Anfield.

He rang me earlier in the week because he was desperate for me to get him a ticket.

That boy just loves being part of Liverpool and we hope that all kids who play for us feel the same way. 

Click here for details about how to attend the memorial>>