Academy Hillsborough
April 15 will forever be etched in the heart of Liverpool Football Club and the wider football community. The tragic events of Hillsborough in 1989, which claimed the lives of 97 innocent supporters, continue to shape the culture, identity, and values of the club. Thirty-six years on, Liverpool FC remains resolute in its commitment to honor those lost, support survivors, and educate future generations about the importance of remembrance, justice, and community solidarity.
This year, as part of the commemorations marking the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, the club’s Academy organized a profoundly moving and educational event that blended football, history, and reflection. A foundation-phase youth tournament brought together teams from Liverpool’s U9s, U10s, and U11s alongside invited sides from Everton, Nottingham Forest, Preston North End, and Sheffield Wednesday.
It was not just a day for competitive football; it was a day for learning, reflection, and solidarity, ensuring that the next generation of footballers grow up understanding the significance of Hillsborough and the resilience of those who have campaigned for justice ever since.
A Tournament with a Purpose
The Academy’s Hillsborough anniversary tournament went far beyond the usual scope of youth football events. Organised by Liverpool FC’s Academy head of education Caitlin Hawkins and her team, the tournament was designed to combine sporting competition with a poignant educational experience.
Before a ball was even kicked, every young player involved — along with their parents and guardians — attended a special Hillsborough educational workshop. The session, carefully curated to be age-appropriate, aimed to introduce the children to the history of the tragedy, the legacy of those lost, and the ongoing commitment of Liverpool Football Club and its supporters to uphold the memory of the 97.
The educational setting was made particularly evocative thanks to flags from The Kop, generously loaned and organized by lifelong fan and flag creator Peter Carney. The room was dressed in the same colors and symbols seen on Anfield matchdays, creating an atmosphere that was both respectful and inspiring.
Hillsborough Faces
Learning the Real Truth
The heart of the educational workshop was rooted in The Real Truth Legacy, a powerful initiative that ensures accurate storytelling around the Hillsborough disaster. For decades, the families of the 97 victims fought tirelessly to overturn the false narratives initially propagated in the wake of the tragedy. The Real Truth Legacy, supported by Liverpool FC and the Hillsborough families, ensures that the full, honest account of what happened is shared with new generations.
As part of the session, Academy players gave heartfelt readings about the events of April 15, 1989, offering their own words of reflection. These were joined by contributions from club chaplain Bill Bygroves, who provided spiritual support and words of solidarity, and Ian Byrne, Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby and a prominent Hillsborough justice campaigner.
Margaret Aspinall, former chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group and mother of 18-year-old James Aspinall who lost his life at Hillsborough, was also present as a special guest speaker. Her words carried the weight of personal loss but also a message of resilience, unity, and the importance of truth.
More Than Just a Football Club
For Liverpool FC, the Hillsborough disaster is not merely a historic event; it is an intrinsic part of the club’s DNA. The commitment to remembering the victims, supporting survivors, and ensuring that the injustice is never forgotten extends to every corner of the club — from the first team to the youngest Academy hopefuls.
Speaking about the tournament, Caitlin Hawkins emphasized the dual purpose of the event:
“The Academy aims to raise awareness of what happened on April 15, 1989, but also to pay respect to the 97, as well as survivors and all those impacted. The Academy foundation phase Hillsborough festival is a great example of a blended footballing experience where learning can work in parallel with footballing opportunities.”
These words echo the club’s broader ethos, one that insists football must be about more than just the game itself. It must foster values of community, respect, resilience, and empathy.
An All-Merseyside Solidarity
Among the invited teams was Everton Football Club — Liverpool’s city rivals on the pitch, but unwavering allies off it when it comes to Hillsborough. Evertonians have stood shoulder to shoulder with Liverpool supporters since 1989 in remembrance and campaigning efforts, a bond forged in grief and strengthened over the decades.
Their participation in the youth tournament symbolized that football rivalry takes a back seat in the face of shared humanity. It was a poignant reminder that the tragedy did not just touch Liverpool, but resonated across the entire footballing world.
Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday’s Involvement
Nottingham Forest, Liverpool’s opponents on that fateful day, and Sheffield Wednesday, whose ground hosted the semi-final, also sent youth teams to the Academy for the event. Their presence served as a powerful gesture of respect and acknowledgement. Both clubs have long maintained a commitment to honoring the 97, participating in memorials and supporting awareness initiatives.
Preston North End’s inclusion further demonstrated how Hillsborough’s significance reaches beyond top-flight football, impacting the broader English football community.
Why Education Matters
One of the most enduring lessons of the Hillsborough tragedy is the importance of education — not just about the disaster itself, but about media accountability, the responsibilities of public authorities, and the need for collective vigilance in ensuring justice is served.
The Hillsborough disaster is also a case study in the resilience of ordinary people confronting extraordinary adversity. The families of the victims waged a relentless campaign spanning decades to clear the names of their loved ones and hold those responsible accountable.
By integrating educational workshops into the Academy’s activities, Liverpool FC ensures that even its youngest members understand this crucial chapter in the club’s history and the importance of standing up for truth and justice.
A Moving Tribute for the 36th Anniversary
Beyond the Academy tournament, Liverpool Football Club marked the 36th anniversary of Hillsborough with a series of commemorative activities. Supporters and players observed a minute’s silence at Anfield and training sessions, while floral tributes were laid at the Hillsborough memorial outside the stadium.
The club’s official channels, including its website, social media, and LFCTV, produced a range of content to honor the 97. Features included interviews with campaigners, archive footage, and specially commissioned pieces reflecting on the ongoing legacy of Hillsborough.
The phrase “Never Forgotten” remains a constant at the heart of these commemorations, reaffirming the club’s unwavering promise to remember those lost and to support those who continue to live with the tragedy.
What Hillsborough Means to Liverpool’s Future Stars
For the Academy players, many of whom were born decades after 1989, events like this are vital in connecting them with the club’s past and the community they represent.
While many youngsters dream of running out at Anfield, lifting trophies, and scoring winning goals, understanding the responsibilities that come with representing Liverpool FC is equally important. The Hillsborough workshop and tournament provided the perfect opportunity to instill these values early.
The presence of figures like Margaret Aspinall, Bill Bygroves, and Ian Byrne ensured that the lessons learned were heartfelt and personal, not just historical facts in a textbook.
Peter Carney’s Flags: Symbols of Solidarity
An essential feature of the event was the inclusion of flags from Anfield’s famous Kop stand, provided by Peter Carney. A lifelong Liverpool supporter and prominent flag creator, Carney’s work has long played a role in memorializing Hillsborough and supporting the justice campaign.
His flags have become synonymous with Anfield matchdays and Hillsborough anniversaries, bearing slogans and imagery that tell the story of those lost and the fight for justice. Their presence at the Academy’s educational setting helped create a direct link between Anfield’s terraces and the young players learning about the club’s past.
An Example for Other Clubs
Liverpool FC’s Academy Hillsborough tournament serves as a model for how football clubs can use their platforms to educate and inspire. The blending of football with meaningful education about issues that shape clubs and communities should be replicated across the footballing world.
As football continues to grapple with issues of injustice, discrimination, and tragedy, initiatives like this demonstrate how clubs can lead with compassion and social responsibility.
Conclusion: Always Remember, Always Honour
As the 36th anniversary of Hillsborough passed, Liverpool FC once again showed why it is more than just a football club. The Academy’s youth tournament and educational workshop reaffirmed the club’s commitment to remembering the 97, supporting the survivors, and ensuring the real story of April 15, 1989, continues to be told.
By engaging its youngest players and inviting teams from across the footballing community, Liverpool honored the past while educating the future. The words spoken, the flags flown, and the football played all formed part of a moving tribute to those lost — a testament to the resilience of a club and a city united by tragedy, justice, and hope.
Justice for the 97. Never forgotten.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com