Hammill was born in Liverpool and was a member of the Youth Academy at Liverpool since he joined the club at age nine. After appearing for the youth and reserves teams, he was promoted to Melwood on a full-time basis. He was part of the Liverpool team that defeated Manchester City in the 2006 FA Youth Cup final. While at the academy, Hammill initially played as an attacking midfielder and striker. But he turned "around 14 or 15", Hammill converted to a winger after being convinced by Academy Manager Steve Heighway, a position both he and Heighway, himself, played today.