A graduate from  The Fowler Academy has praised the support he was given when trying to make a career as a footballer.

After graduating in 2022, 20-year-old Matty Grivosti signed a professional deal at League One outfit, Bolton Wanderers.

The Fowler Academy was established in 2015 to offer students a learning space where they can also continue playing the sport they love.

“The college helped me every step of the way. To work with the best coaches day-in, day-out shaped me into the player I became.

“Still to this day I say they are the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. They pushed me to reach something I could only dream of and made that dream reality.

“Although I did reach my target, I understood that football doesn’t last forever so I was fortunate to get the right grades to go to university when the time arises thanks to the award-winning teaching staff. I made appearances in the National League and National League North as well as scoring in the FA cup.”

Now sharing Melwood with the Liverpool Women’s squad, the sports complex boasts elite standard pitches and facilities.

The college offers students a chance to complete their coaching badges as well as other educational qualifications, such as BTECs.

Grivosti added: “The Robbie fowler academy helped me massively. They provided outstanding education and football development as well as once in a lifetime opportunities.

“I joined in 2019 and left in 2022, thoroughly enjoying my time there. I studied a BTEC in sport and exercise science before moving on to gain my coaching badges and personal training qualifications.

“Alongside the learning, I played and won the National Football Youth League as well as participating in games against numerous professional academies. I met some friends for life while at the college.

“Being surrounded by so many good people who all help each other to be better every day made an atmosphere that felt both comfortable and challenging.

“I was fortunate to experience some of the amazing opportunities they provide for example, waving the Champions League flag when Liverpool faced Salzburg at Anfield, or visiting Dubai on our football tour with the team.

“That is a memory that will always stay with me. The college also gave me the chance to represent my county at the England colleges which was a big achievement.

“The college provided me with pathways in to whatever I chose to pursue. I was given a first-class education with trips to universities to see where was best for me.

“I was given the chance to live the week as a professional footballer when they sent me on trial at Oxford United. I spent some time volunteer coaching and learning how my passion for football can be used in coaching.

“But, I think above all I was given the confidence and freedom to grow from a teenager into a man who was ready and capable to handle the real world.”

Founder Robbie Fowler is a Liverpool legend and during his playing career, the forward notched 183 goals for the Reds.

Grivosti has since left Bolton, having gone on to make over 50 appearances for Warrington Town since departing the third-division outfit.

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