Melwood

AXA Melwood Training Centre stands in West Derby, a suburb of Liverpool. It was once the men’s first team training ground for Liverpool Football Club from the 1950s until 2020. The site was originally playing fields belonging to St Francis Xavier school. The name Melwood comes from two priests, Father Melling and Father Woodlock, who taught football there. After the men’s team moved to Kirkby, Melwood became home to the women’s first team, youth teams and academy. The club repurchased the site in June 2023 and reopened it in September 2023. The centre is worth the journey for its footballing history and modern facilities. Bill Shankly arrived in 1959 to find three overgrown pitches and a run-down pavilion. He transformed it into a top training ground, introducing five-a-side games that shaped Liverpool’s style. Gérard Houllier oversaw the Millennium Pavilion in 2001, adding gyms, pools and a synthetic pitch. Rafael Benítez displayed the Champions League trophy in a glass case at the entrance. Brendan Rodgers added a bust of Shankly and a Champions Wall during his time as manager. Visitors find a working training ground with pitches, changing rooms and a modern pavilion. The Millennium Pavilion includes a gymnasium, swimming pools and rehabilitation rooms. A bust of Shankly and his ‘We Are Liverpool’ quote stand by the main entrance. The Champions Wall honours past successes, including the 2005 UEFA Champions League. The site also hosts community programmes through the LFC Foundation and education work with the Robbie Fowler Education and Football Academy.