Liverpool F.C. Reserves and Academy

Liverpool F.C. Under-21s is the reserve & senior youth team of Liverpool Football Club. It is the most senior level of the Liverpool academy beneath the first team. In the summer of 2012, the whole English reserve football system was overhauled and replaced with an Under-21 league system, the Professional Development League. Liverpool's reserve team became the Liverpool under-21 team and competes in the Professional Development League 1 which is also known by its sponsorship name of Barclays Under-21 Premier League and Premier League 2. The team generally consists of Under-21 players at the club but at times senior players also play for the reserves when they are recuperating from injury. Following the introduction of new regulations from the 2012–13 season, only three outfield players and one goalkeeper over the age of 21 can play for the reserves regularly.