The 2012-13 Academy Under 18s season marked another change in management for the Under 18s as Mike Marsh made the move to Melwood to work with Brendan Rodgers as a first team coach. Academy manager Steve Cooper instead took the reins for the season. The season was punctuated by a trip to Qatar in early 2013 to take part in the Al Kass Cup along with 11 other U18 sides from around the world. Despite a good early start to the tournament, the team began to struggle and eventually finished in 8th place.