Another one of the club figureheads is stepping down. The club announced on Friday that U21 Academy coach Barry Lewtas will be stepping down from his role.
Lewtas oversaw many roles in his 12 years with the club, starting with the U12s, moving to the U15/16s, and then spending two seasons with the U18s and helping to lead them to a FA Youth Cup win in 2019.
He’s spent the last five seasons with the U21s, helping to steward players on the cusp of their senior debuts prepare for the rigors of professional play, but also splitting his time with the U19s group in several campaigns in the UEFA Youth League.
[Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/)’s Premier League winning squad of the 2024-25 season had the most minutes played by homegrown Academy players in the league, thanks to his tireless work. He was instrumental in preparing the likes of Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, and Harvey Elliott for the Premier League, while still coaching players like Tyler Morton, James McConnell, and Jarrell Quansah as they came up.
“Sometimes you just know the time is right for a new adventure and I really feel the perfect time for me is now,” Lewtas [told](https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Fbarry-lewtas-step-down-liverpool-u21s-head-coach&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2025%2F6%2F6%2F24444435%2Flfc-academy-barry-lewtas-stepping-down-as-academy-u21-coach-curtis-jones) the club website.
“Of course, I’m sad to be moving on but I also have 12 wonderful years to look back on, including the last five with the U21s. Seeing young players make that next step to the LFC first team or moving on to success elsewhere is hugely satisfying.
“I want to give a massive thanks to all the staff I’ve worked with throughout the age groups, to all the players who have been part of those teams and also to their parents, who are often forgotten about but play such a vital role in making sure their sons can reach their full potential.
“Everything I’ve ever done has been about the team and they have all helped make the journey as special as it has been. Now I’m looking forward to being a fan from afar and full of energy and excitement for what comes next.”
Lewtas’ contributions to the club are innumerable, and much of the senior men’s success is due in no small part to his work training younger boys for the realities of playing senior football.
“Barry’s influence has been felt at so many age groups in the Academy and he leaves with our very best wishes,” said club director Alex Inglethorpe.
“Player development is at the forefront of our role and many young players owe him a debt of gratitude for helping them towards first-team football both here at LFC and of course elsewhere in the pyramid.
“His spell with the U18s brought the club a fourth FA Youth Cup victory in a memorable night in Manchester, while his stewardship of the U21s over the last five years has seen a number of players make their LFC first-team debuts.
“I’d like to thank Barry for everything he has contributed to life at the Academy, both on and off the pitch, and I know everyone at the club will wish him well in his exciting journey to come.”