The Elite Player

Performance Plan
10 Years of the EPPP
 Welcome
its commencement there One of the strengths of our
were questions around the system is that it is a real
coaching and development pyramid which provides the
of young players in this basis to develop players
country but now our players in clubs right across the
are perceived as having an leagues. The continued
abundance of talent and investment into the Academy
other leagues are learning system, including at EFL clubs
And there is much to Nevertheless, expectations from how we do things here, where financial resources
celebrate: a new group of elite development which is a mark of how far we are extremely limited, is
of Academy graduates environments have – have come. crucial to the strength of the
are breaking through rightly – evolved since David Wetherall Academy system and the
to the highest levels of the EPPP’s inception: the Director of Youth, EFL A huge amount of credit professional game as whole.
the professional game Academy system should should go to the staff We have come a long way
and thriving against not be judged by on-field across Academies at all over the last 10 years and, as
the best global talent; performances alone. We The perception of youth categories in the system for professional game partners
Academy players have must continue to work hard development within our the commitment they make and clubs, we are always
achieved unprecedented to ensure that Academies system has changed to both the football and looking to review, improve
international success across carry on providing a life- dramatically during the time personal development of the and develop together.
the England team age enriching experience to their of the EPPP. At the time of young people in their care.
groups; and over 90 clubs participants, such that each
invest in youth development individual is better off, in the
Neil Saunders through a licensed Academy. broadest possible sense, for a much-needed step change represent the England senior
Director of Football, their involvement in it. in the quality of Academies team or pursue other careers
Premier League Behind the scenes, across the professional game. in their adult life.
investment in facilities, Through sustained success It triggered improvement
Welcome to this review coach development and on these fronts, Academies in facilities, staffing and the Our role as developers is to
celebrating 10 years of the wider workforce are play a central role in programmes delivered by clubs provide opportunities which
English football’s Elite Player already bearing fruit and assuring the long-term - both on and off the pitch. give aspiring footballers the
Performance Plan (EPPP). allow us to create unrivalled health of our game – for the best possible chance of
development environments benefit of all its stakeholders England’s development teams breaking through to the top
The EPPP was launched in for the players of the future. and participants, both provide complementary end of the game, which is a
2012 as a long-term plan to current and future. John McDermott opportunities. International careful balance of support
ensure the Premier League Clubs will continue to Technical Director, The FA events bring together the and challenge.
and clubs throughout the be at the heart of their I invite you to join me in brightest young potential
pyramid develop more and communities, and Academies celebrating the success of talent, and provide valuable The last 10 years have
better Home Grown players. will play their role by the last decade and looking Youth development has exposure to tournament provided evidence of success
This 10-year anniversary providing opportunities to to the future. always been a key part of our football and a variety of high- in which we can take pride,
provides the opportunity young people who aspire to game. In 1997, the Charter quality global opposition. The but we must never stand still.
to celebrate the successes be footballers with the aim of for Quality created a new experiences of success and Continued collaboration across
of youth development in developing more and better Academy system and the disappointment help prepare the professional game is key in
this country, to reflect on players capable of winning EPPP has built on this progress our young people if they are the creation of the right
progress, and to look forward. at the highest level. since 2012 to be a catalyst for to secure a career in football, environments for talent to flourish.

Contents
Looking back The Academy system today Looking ahead

# # # # # # #

3 Talent ID 15 Player Pathway 19 Duty of Care 23 Workforce 29 Governance & 33 Innovation & 37 41
Development Quality Assurance Insights

1 2
 Looking back
Reflecting on why the Elite Player Performance
Plan was implemented, what it set out to achieve,
and recognising impact across the 10-year period.

3
 10 years of the EPPP, 5
Our player development
175
10 reasons to celebrate offer is world-leading with games programme events
an extensive and varied delivered in Season 2021/22
games programme

6 89%

762
Young people are

1 developed in safe, caring,

and trusted environments
that are rigorously
quality assured
of parents are confident
in reporting concerns to
their club around safety
and welfare
More Academy more Academy
graduates are graduates with

86%
progressing through to

7
professional contracts
the professional game compared to Season
2012/13 86%
The Academy system of parents agree that

2
puts personal growth clubs care about their
at the heart of child’s development
development beyond football
In the Premier League,
a new group of Home
Grown players are
breaking through
to match the best
global talent
Twice as many English U21
minutes in the Premier
League vs. Season 2012/13 8 £22m+
Significant value is placed
on developing the people invested in workforce
around the players development annually by

3 1st
professional game partners

On the global stage and

against international
peers, our young Home
Grown players are the
for average value of U21
players of any nationality
9 92%
(5th in Season 2012/13) Fans from up and down
world’s best the pyramid recognise
the importance of their of fans across the EFL think
club developing Home it is important that their club
Grown players produces Home Grown players

4 Four titles in five years in

Youth and Senior

national teams
youth competitions and
UEFA Euro 2020 finalists
10 £1.94bn
have achieved Success has been driven
unprecedented success by groundbreaking invested into youth
over recent seasons investment in the development since
Academy system Season 2012/13
5 6
 What is the EPPP? What did the EPPP set out to achieve?

The Elite Player Performance Plan was A long-term plan, it set out to modernise and The development of the EPPP was led by the Ultimately, the plan was simple in its ambition:
implemented by the Premier League in professionalise youth development in English Premier League, in consultation with the EFL, the English professional game needed to
Season 2012/13, with the aim of developing football, supporting clubs in providing the The FA and clubs to transform the Academy produce more and better Home Grown
a world-leading Academy system in right environment and resources needed to and Centre of Excellence youth development players through the development of a
collaboration with clubs and the wider develop players capable of excelling in the system that was in place. world-leading Academy system.
professional game. most competitive league in the world.

Why was it needed?

It was recognised that the growing success Players at European clubs
of the Premier League, and the subsequent received up to twice as Vision A world-leading Academy system
ability of clubs to acquire the best foreign much formal coaching
talent, was not matched by the investment and practice than players Mission To produce more and better Home Grown players
into youth development and the quality of in the English system
Home Grown players breaking through to Players Staff Environment
the highest level.
In Season 2012/13, only
22 English players played Develop technically Develop the world’s leading Develop educationally
Broadcast revenue per match in any UEFA Champions excellent players who youth coaching community rounded people through
for the Premier League saw League group stage match, are tactically astute and a holistic approach
a 617% increase between ranked 8th of all nationalities independent decision- Provide a world-class
Season 1992/93 and Season represented makers, fully equipped for support service Provide inspirational
2012/13 a successful career as a facilities capable of
professional footballer delivering an innovative
The England team games programme
As the Premier League experienced major
expanded its global reach tournament disappointments
over this 20 year period, it - failing to qualify for the

1 2 3
increasingly became home 2008 UEFA Euros and being
Critical Success
to some of the world’s best knocked out in the Round of
players - with Premier League 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Factors
starts by international players Alongside the
more than doubling vision were six
in this period ‘critical success
factors’ against Increase the Improve coaching Create more time
which the number & quality provision for players to play
progress of the of Home Grown & be coached
EPPP would be players
judged against:

4 5 6
Seek to implement Positively Implement a
significant gains influence strategic system of effective
in every aspect of investment & measurement &
player development demonstrate value quality assurance
for money

7 8
 What did the EPPP change? Major central initiatives of the EPPP
Seasons 2012/13 - 2014/15 Seasons 2018/19 - 2020/21

A new system Clubs in each category

of classification Pre-EPPP (2010/11)
Centre of
Excellence 40
Central to the implementation of
the EPPP was the development of a Academy 51
new classification system for youth
development.
EPPP (2012/13)
The two-tier system under the Charter Category 1 20 • Rules are overhauled, with new • A review of the duty of care for players
for Quality was extended to four requirements on clubs, and a 4% levy is is undertaken, resulting in new
categories of Academy to better Category 2 25 introduced on all transfers, driving a requirements on clubs to ensure safe,
reflect the quality of provisions and Category 3 43 substantial increase in central funding. caring and inclusive environments.
outcomes for player development • The Academy games programme is • The Professional Game Academy Audit
across the system: Category 4 4
redesigned and significantly enhanced Company is created and funded by
across the pathway. the professional game to provide an
• An audit process is developed, creating independent and comprehensive audit
The optimum development environment for players in the a system of quality assurance to drive of rules and standards to clubs.
youth system. Category 1 Academies will typically produce standards across all categories. • The Premier League’s No Room For
Category 1 Premier League players and have the capacity to provide the •The Elite Coach Accreditation Scheme Racism Action Plan is introduced,
optimum access to coaching in an elite environment in which is launched, beginning substantial detailing the professional game’s new
the highest quality of coaching and development is provided. investment in the workforce from commitments to promote equality
the Premier League. and tackle discrimination, and setting
specific objectives for the Academy
U9-U21 The second tier of Academy which will typically produce
system.
Category 2 professional players in the Football League and will produce
Premier League players from time to time. Seasons 2015/16 - 2017/18 • The Elite Academy Manager
development programme is launched,
An entry level development environment for professional clubs focused on the development of the
that wish to maintain a performance pathway for players from management and leadership skills
Category 3 U9. Category 3 Academies will typically produce professional needed to run a successful Academy
players in the Football League. across the pyramid.

A late development model where formal entry into the

Category 4 U17-U21 Academy will begin with the Professional Development
Phase U17 to U21.
Season 2021/22
• Further improvements are made to the
Professional Development Phase games
Increasing programme offer, including:
requirements - The launch of Premier League 2,
helping to bridge the gap to the
by category Greater More contact Higher quality First Team environment.
investment time facilities - The introduction of Category 1
The resources across all Academy Academies to the EFL Trophy,
categories were increased to work providing U21 teams with direct
towards the new vision and critical experience against senior teams • A progress update on the EPPP is
success factors. Through the new for the first time. conducted, resulting in rule changes
Youth Development Rules, clubs - New competitions against and new initiatives across identified
were set standards to comply with, international opposition across priority areas for Season 2022/23
and were assessed against a range Broader Comprehensive A larger and multiple age groups. explored in this report.
of requirements based on their performance safety more qualified
Academy category: analysis provisions workforce

9 10
 What has the EPPP achieved 2 I mprove
coaching
3 C
 reate more time
for players to play
against its critical success factors? provision & be coached
1 Increase the number & quality of Home Grown players More than
50%
3x
It is more difficult than ever to
c.

77%
break through to the Premier increase in
League, with increase coaching hours
following the

54
of the top in the number of launch of the

100
full-time coaches EPPP
of professional contracts
in the PL and EFL are held
by Home Grown players
(3,164 in total, having and 94 of the top 200 players 4 S
 eek to implement
increased each season globally playing in the Premier
since Season 2012/13) League – more than twice as significant gains in
many as any other league every aspect of
player development

120
Of the players
that participated

55k+
in UEFA Euro 2020,
no other league
had greater Premier League
representation – players called up
further highlighting - more than Serie
the quality of the fitness tests delivered to
league
A and LaLiga
combined assess physical progression

Yet our Home Grown players are equipped to compete

and thrive at the highest level 5 P
 ositively
influence strategic £4bn
566
investment & in Academy graduate

1st demonstrate transfer fees over the

last 10 years across the
value for money Premier League and EFL
Home Grown Premier
League debutants since in the UEFA Champions
the launch of the EPPP League, no other nations’
The FA set a target

All
young players (U21) are
in 2014 for English
better represented
football to have 90
6 I mplement
1,866 players have featured
in the Premier League since
players eligible to a system
play for England
Season 2012/13 featuring regularly in of effective clubs have their
the Premier League Academies audited
For four years running, and/or other ‘Big
measurement & each season

47%
independent analysis Five’ leagues by 2022 quality assurance
has placed English U21 - in Season 2021/22
players as the best in this number was 102
the world and the most
were Home Grown players valuable on average

11 12
 Talent ID Player Pathway

Duty of Care Workforce Development

The Academy
system today
10 seasons have witnessed unprecedented progress
in all areas of the Academy system. Capturing
everything is impossible, but this section looks at
what the Academy system looks like today against
six key areas of delivery, and highlights some of the
progress made. Governance & Innovation & Insights
Quality Assurance
 Talent ID A diverse talent pool
Young people from black and mixed heritage backgrounds are
well represented in Academies compared to national figures.
The system is committed to ensuring access and Below shows the percentage of Academy players (U9-U16) by
opportunity for aspiring footballers to be part of the ethnicity vs the population of England and Wales.
+60%
Academy environment. Club structures and networks
across the country facilitate bringing young people into
the system and help them maximise their potential.
14,226 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

White
Number of boys in Academies players in the
Mixed/ increase in Academy
Academy system Multiple
in Season 2021/22 scholars from black,
The Academy system is made up of 13 age groups across
three distinct development phases: Asian Asian, mixed and other
backgrounds in the last
Black 10 seasons
Foundation Phase Youth Development Phase Professional Development Phase Other

3,741 7,226 3,259 2011 Census 2022 All Academy players

players players players

Combatting
underrepresentation
1,643
1,474
1,444
1,409

1,367

1,298
1,289

The South Asian Action Plan (SAAP) was

successfully launched in Season 2021/22
1,043

in partnership with Kick It Out to combat

937

940

underrepresentation in the playing

population.
632

428

322
It aims to ensure that every player has the
opportunity to achieve their potential in

648
U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17 U18 U19 U20 U21 players attended football through the delivery of research,
Emerging Talent staff training and Emerging Talent
Festivals in Festivals focused on equal access
Season 2021/22 and improving pathways through the
Academy system.
Age of entry
Academy players most commonly join at the first
opportunity, but over half are still recruited after U9.
The relative age effect
34% Number of recent Academy graduates by age of entry As a global phenomenon, a higher proportion 45%
of Academy players are born
in the first quarter of the
of boys in the Academy system are born in the academic year, four times as
6,000 first quarter of the academic year. much as the fourth quarter.

of Academy players 4,000 The system has undertaken initiatives to

combat the relative age effect, such as of a sample of 67 football
join at the Under 9
2,000 festivals for young people born in the later leagues worldwide show
age group
0
stages of the academic year. Analysis has
shown that this bias does not necessarily
96% an overrepresentation of
players born in the first
U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U17+ translate to the likelihood to succeed in the quartile of the year.
professional game.

15 16
 Access and reach Grassroots engagement
Clubs up and down the country contribute to an extensive Engaging with grassroots football and Talent Centre to be located outside Villa Park
talent identification network that ensures access for all, providing access to everyone in the local to help meet these objectives.
with some recognised ‘hotspots’ of player development community is crucial for Talent ID, ensuring
across different regions of the country. there are opportunities for all. Partnerships with the local community also
extend to the development of the local
Clubs align closely with grassroots clubs and coaching workforce, with many clubs offering
Region Academy community leaders to create access and learning and development opportunities
players remove geographical and financial barriers. to coaches at grassroots clubs and schools.
per 100k Examples of this include Rotherham’s monthly
Club examples include Aston Villa, who have development courses (pictured below) for
East Midlands 26 launched a number of schemes and initiatives local coaches, which include collaborative
East of England 20 to provide pathways for local players and workshops on session delivery, Q&A with
enable the club to represent the highly diverse Academy coaches and monthly training
London 19 and multicultural makeup of the city. They session plans that are shared with attendees.
are also launching a new Inner City Emerging
North East 15
North West 38
South East 14
South West 21
Wales 19
West Midlands 22
Yorkshire & The Humber 25

The Academy player profile is representative of a diverse range Enabling players Dean Henderson Scott Twine
of social, economic and cultural backgrounds - which shows
the inclusive nature of the system in access and recruitment, as
to find their level
well as the socially diverse environment that Academy players
benefit from. The Youth Development
Rules enable Academy
players to move between
Number of Academy players by income decile across England Academies and access
(based on postcode of registration) the right development
opportunities for them.
2,000
There is a large support

3x 7x
network for boys that
1,500 decide to move Academy,
and clubs’ contributions to
player development are also
Players

1,000
recognised with training and
contingent compensation. A greater proportion of A greater proportion of
500 Academy players who Academy players who
moved up to Category moved down to a
1 from Category 3 Category 3 from a
0
2
Academies made 20 Category 1 Academy
1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
league appearances, made 20 league
compared to peers who appearances, compared
Lowest income Highest income started in a Category 1 to peers who started in a
Income deciles show the average income for different income groups in society. Academy Category 3 Academy
A decile splits the population (by households) into 10 equal parts.

17 18
 Player
The FA’s Four Corner Model
Coaching provision
Technical Psychological The coaching programme is a key component of the work of the Academy.

Pathway
Changes to the coaching offer since the EPPP have been led by three key factors:

#1 Quality
The player pathway is about providing
the right experiences at the right stage Physical Social A new standard was implemented which
of the journey to develop a player’s focused on different aspects of the game as
footballing potential. a player progresses, including age-specific
coaching and coaches.
The approach to player development and
how this is delivered by the system is built
on the ‘Four Corner Model’ for long-term
player development. This was applied in
The FA’s ‘Future Game Plan’ (2010), which Academy Performance Plan
#2 Access
has been adapted and tailored by each
club according to their own playing and (APP) The EPPP outlined an increase in contact
hours and quality of coaching to go beyond
coaching philosophy. other top football nations and in line with increase in
The APP outlines the vision and strategy for
the Academy in terms of the club’s football leading practices across multiple sports the number

c.50%
philosophy. It identifies the performance and disciplines. of coaching
targets for the Academy and provides a hours since
Individual Development template for its management. It also the launch of
Plans (IDPs) integrates core programmes of the EPPP,
such as: education, games programme, #3 Development
the EPPP

coaching, and performance support.

Each Academy player has an IDP The development offer to coaches
tailored to their development needs. Each Academy has their own version of the was enhanced with new individualised
It aims to be aspirational and provide APP to communicate with Academy players, programmes and qualification requirements,
the right level of challenge to encourage parents and their staff. Through this, they aim tailored to each phase and Academy category.
the individual to maximise their to bring to life the ethos and identity of the
potential as a player and as a person. club and incorporate it within their player
pathway. For example, the ‘West Ham Way’
This includes the provision of aims to incorporate the history and values of Performance support
academic and personal development the club, while creating a framework for the
programmes appropriate for the playing philosophy and pathway through the
individual learner, as well as bespoke Performance support plays an integral part of
age groups. Academies’ player development activities. This
support in the development of the
plan from Academy staff. area represents the multidisciplinary expertise
Club model of sport science, medical, performance analysis
and psychology. Performance support staff
work closely with other key Academy staff
groups to aid and inform player identification,
development, and transition along the pathway.

Since the launch of the EPPP, the number of

performance support staff in the system has
grown extensively and there are clear quality
assured qualifications and standards required
to be employed within these areas. Academies

10k
have increasingly taken an integrated and
Fitness tests holistic approach to delivering individual
conducted programmes, tailored for the age and stage
each season of a player’s development, with performance
support disciplines an important part of the
player pathway.

19 20
 Foundation Phase Youth Development Phase Professional Development Transitioning to senior
(FP) U9-U11 (YDP) U12-U16 Phase (PDP) U17-U21 football - no one-size-fits-all
Designed for players to develop their mastery Designed for players to develop their tactical, Designed to prepare players for the demands All player journeys are unique but there are
of the ball, 1v1 skills and confidence through a psychological and social understanding of and pressure of the First Team football flexible pathways that can be grouped into
holistic approach with the overarching aim to the game, while continuing to enhance their environment through varied competitions, broad ‘archetypes’ for analysis:
enhance their love of the game. mastery of the ball through different formats enabling them to compete with and
and competition. against some of the best global talent. Trent
Fast-tracked
Alexander-Arnold
Early breakthrough
into the Premier
League following
an expedited
experience in
the PDP games
programme

17
appearances in
19
years old reaching
U21 competitions 20 PL appearances

Focused
Harvey Barnes
development

Fun Variety Competition Targeted loan(s)

to complement
experience in
the PDP games
programme

3
loan
21
years old reaching
registrations 20 PL appearances

Tiered progression Ollie Watkins

Extensive game
time in the EFL plus
Professional Development loan(s) and/or PDP
Phase highlights experience before
Foundation Phase highlights Youth Development Phase highlights
breakthrough
U9 Welcome Festival U12 Christmas Truce Tournament Premier League 2

U10 In & Out of Balance Festivals U13/14/15 International Tournament U18 Premier League

U9/10/11 National Futsal Finals U15 Floodlit Cup Premier League International Cup 206
appearances
25
years old reaching
U11 Player Voice Festivals U16 National Tournament & Shield EFL Trophy in the EFL 20 PL appearances

21 22
 Duty of Care Ensuring the safety of players clubs

30
The protection of every young person is paramount and involved in
extends to physical and medical safety, with the system the Premier
continually raising standards through the Youth Development League injury
Rules, and industry-leading, evidence-led initiatives. surveillance
We are proud of the The system has made Football should keep looking
project
positive impact the EPPP considerable strides in its to be better as people look to
has had on the Academy offer to participants in this them for the answers, and the
system. Not just on the area. Clubs are committed to work that is already in place
number and quality of the welfare of their players, can have a massively positive Injury surveillance Medical guidance Concussion substitutes
Home Grown players now from the Under 9s to the influence on Olympic and
performing regularly at First Team. Changes were Paralympic sport as well.”
the highest level, but also informed closely by Baroness The Premier League has Recent research into the In line with changes at
Baroness Grey-Thompson led an injury surveillance heading of footballs and the First Team level, all
the transformed standard Grey-Thompson’s report ‘Duty
of education, care and of Care in Sport.’ project to better the impact on the brain PDP competitions within
support that young players understand and mitigate has led to updated the Premier League
receive while in Academies “Duty of care is about caring against the risk of injury guidance on heading games programme have
and beyond. for people, and caring for for players within the in Academies. This area introduced concussion
everyone in the system. The Academy system. is under continuous substitutes for Season
Premier League was the only development and review. 2022/23.
organisation that took every
single recommendation from
my report and did something
with it.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

The system aims to ensure everyone in an safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and
Academy enjoys a safe, caring and inclusive adults at risk, with significant rule frameworks,
environment. The utmost importance is programmes, and support services
placed on promoting and protecting the implemented since 2012.

Clubs Leagues Listening to parents and players

Leadership: Within each club, there is Board- Leadership: Dedicated safeguarding One of our core duty of care pillars is engaging with the young
level safeguarding leadership and dedicated team leading on the delivery of strategic 89% people in Academies and their parents or carers to better
safeguarding staff. safeguarding objectives. understand their experiences.
Environment and culture: Safeguarding Governance and support: Dual role For the past four seasons, the Premier League has conducted
procedures and practices required to meet in supporting clubs and monitoring of parents believe research with parents or carers of Academy players to
Premier League safeguarding standards. the adequacy of their safeguarding the overall Academy understand their journeys and their views. This feedback is
arrangements through an independent experience is positive used to make positive changes to enhance the Academy
audit process alongside Barnardo’s. experience.
Football Partners External Partners (not exhaustive)

The FA: Dedicated safeguarding team Ann Craft Trust: Partnership work to raise
and overarching safeguarding regulations adult safeguarding awareness. Providing independent advice

4,000
for football.
NSPCC: Partnership work to empower
PFA (PFA Safety Net): Online support
platform for Academy players, trialists and
children and young people, their parents/
carers and club staff.
c. The PFA’s Youth Advisory Service was set up in 2013 and
provides free, independent and confidential advice to
their parents and guardians. The platform Academy players, trialists and parents on their Academy
offers information on mental health, Childline: Confidential service available experiences and to aid their understanding of Academy
through phone, e-mail , or one-to-one enquiries responded rules and regulations.
lifestyle choices and relationships.
counsellor chat service. to since 2013

23 24
 Ensuring player care support

150+ Player care is critical to ensuring holistic and positive

development outcomes for boys in the system. In recent
seasons, additional provisions have been established
to support the personal development and wellbeing of
Developing essential life skills
It is critical to equip young people
with the skills necessary to thrive in
Mental and
emotional
wellbeing
Physical
health
specialist education and Academy players. life after the Academy, whether they
player care staff working make it as a professional footballer
across the system One recent commitment includes the appointment of full-time or pursue an alternative career. The
player care staff in all Category 1, 2 and 3 Academies. Over £2m development of the person comes
in funding was provided by the Premier League for Category 2 hand-in-hand with the development Preparing for Communications Financial
and Category 3 staff in these roles, primarily in EFL clubs. of the player. A well-rounded the future and media education
individual, whose focus is beyond
the immediate playing attributes of
being a ‘footballer’, is more equipped
Supporting academic Premier League Academy players’
GCSE English and Maths attainment to have the capacity to learn and Personal,
Equality,
progression is above the national average the mental and emotional resilience
required to sustain a career at the
diversity and
social, health
and economic
inclusion
100% highest level. (PSHE)
The Academy system recognises
80%
the importance of academic A key component of the Premier
development, and they work tirelessly 60%
League’s player care initiatives is to

20k+
with schools to ensure the best 40% provide opportunities for Academy attendees across the
provision. As a result, young people 20% players to develop essential life skills life skills and personal
in Academies regularly outperform as they progress. development programme
their peers nationally in their GCSEs. 0%
2018 2019 2020 2021 since its introduction
For our Scholars, Premier PL clubs 9-4 (%)
League and EFL clubs National 9-4 (%)
consistently deliver high
achievement rates across While excelling on the pitch, Bukayo Providing life-enriching experiences
the apprenticeship and Saka also thrives off it, receiving four
BTEC assessments. A*s in his GCSEs In addition to holistic development off the pitch, the player pathway provides
a number of unique and life-enriching experiences for boys coming through the
system. Examples include:

Diversifying education pathways Equality Inspires Award Football Remembers the U12 Truce Tournament
Holocaust Programme
The education offer for Academy players is continually
expanding, with scholars and young professional players
taking BTEC qualifications and more than ever now taking A
Levels. In addition, many pursue alternative career pathways 96% The Equality Inspires
Award is presented to
Clubs have participated
in the Football
The annual tournament
is an experience for
aided by vocational development programmes. Premier League clubs Remembers the Academy players that
who complete a number Holocaust Programme takes place in the town of
Increase in percentage of boys enrolled on an A Level programme of equality and inclusion- for several years. Hannah Ypres, Belgium and offers
focused workshops Lewsi (pictured), a a unique opportunity for
20% BTEC achievement rate
developed for Academy refugee from Auschwitz, them to learn about the
players, parents and club visited Middlesbrough’s First World War through
15% staff. Academy in 2020 to share numerous workshops and
her story. footballing experiences.
10%

5%

0%
2012-14

2013-15

2014-16

2016-18

2017-19

2018-20

2019-21

2020-22

2021-23
2015-17
2011-13

25 26
 Empowering young Recent Academy Recent Academy The optimal transition pathway
graduates who graduates who
people to be successful have made a have made
beyond the Academy league appearance
based on the
20 league
appearances based While in the • Players and families • They achieve • Their personal
are informed about positive academic development
category of their on the category of Academy
It is the unavoidable reality of the pathway the chances of a outcomes, opening and wellbeing is
first Academy their first Academy professional playing the door for enhanced through
that the majority of young people will leave Addressing identity
the Academy system without a professional and equipping career from the alternative career holistic learning
outset, with identity pathways. experiences.

16% 11%
playing career. Therefore, it is important the young person
to manage expectations - 77% of Premier not solely tied to
League Academy player parents have being a footballer.
moderate-to-high expectations that their Category 1 Category 1
child will become a professional footballer.
At the point of

9% 6%
The chances of progression represent the • Independent • Focused support • Before leaving
reality of elite sport rather than a failure of the support is is provided by the the club, they release and
Academy system. The system does not define available, focusing club’s player care are enrolled immediately after
its success by the small minority of boys who Category 2 Category 2 on mental and teams with regular onto a transition
have professional playing careers, but the emotional communication to programme, and Providing focused
positive development outcomes for the 100%, wellbeing, as well support wellbeing staff are trained support and aiding
that are all Academy graduates. as on careers and guidance on in how to best next steps

The Academy system aims to educate, equip

and empower boys to transition to successful
careers beyond a professional playing career.
5%
Category 3
3%
Category 3
guidance. next steps. deliver transition
conversations.

In the pursuit of
• Academy alumni • Academy alumni • There is an active
further career
have ongoing have privileged community of
and development access to mental access to further Academy alumni
Supporting next steps U16 Development
opportunities and emotional education/careers - with events,
Programme Creating an wellbeing support. opportunities mentoring and
As part of the Youth Development Rules, clubs are required available through ongoing support
The Premier League delivers Academy alumni
to have an induction and transition strategy in place, with club, league and to shape future
a focus on aftercare for released players. As part of the an U16 development ‘passport’ and other partnerships. careers.
review of the EPPP in Season 2021/22, new guidance has programme which aims to network of resources
been provided to clubs on what should be included in their provide continued sporting,
strategy, including a three-year commitment of support educational and personal
for all Academy players that depart in the Professional support for Premier League
Development Phase. U16 players without a
scholarship offer. Creating Chelsea and Liverpool and
A supported transition process ensures that those leaving the Tottenham Hotspur Shrewsbury Town
Academy are prepared for their lives beyond it, which is why PDP Preparation an alumni Former Chelsea and Now the Liverpool
there is a diverse offering of support mechanisms in place. Programme
The Premier League host a
network Tottenham Hotspur
Academy graduate,
U15s and U16s
Analyst and
17%
residential programme for studied Medicine individual coach.
Clubs are with support from
Bilal
Joel has benefited
released PDP age players increasingly Kamal
where they benefit from elite the PFA and is now from the ‘alumni
developing a a Junior Doctor project’ at Liverpool of the current
football preparation and community
personal development to ‘on-field’
of support workforce
support their next steps. for Academy
Norwich City are Academy
graduates and
Premier League Futures through this, Received a graduates
The pilot programme aims promoting and scholarship to
to explore pathways for celebrating study and play
careers beyond playing and successful in the US at the
to maximise the participants’ careers beyond Freddy University of Joel
Champion New Hampshire Bonner
chances of success both football.
on and off the pitch.

27 28
 Workforce Development A world-leading coaching
development system
Creating a community
of learning
The Integrated Coaching Strategy (ICS) is The Academy system works better when it is
a multi-stakeholder partnership to deliver exactly that, a system, working together to
Two of the six original critical success factors of the EPPP were and sustain world-leading coach and share knowledge about developing young

c.4,000
directly related to the workforce, highlighting the importance of manager education, development and career people.
developing the people that develop the players. The ambition pathways across English Men’s and Women’s
of the EPPP was to be become world-leading in Academy professional football. ICS mechanisms and
coaching and support roles, and this has been met through projects include:
significant investment in the size, expertise and development Academy staff
offer for the Academy workforce over the past 10 years. employed
Category 1-4 • Current and in-depth role profiles for every
coaching position in the professional game
A multi-disciplinary workforce
• Examining existing delivery mechanisms
Led by the drive to improve coaching provision and development, across the five partners to avoid duplication
the Academy workforce has grown significantly in numbers and
professionalism, with an ever-more multi-disciplinary approach • Supporting the professional coaching
to meet the needs of the modern player. workforce to create effective development
action plans
• Data sharing agreements between partners
Workforce composition by discipline for the benefit of the professional game
Conferences
Category 1 clubs - % of the workforce Education,
player care and • Developing a coaching app that
across the largest disciplines by size encompasses the work of the ICS Each year, the Premier League in
safeguarding
collaboration with a club(s) has delivered
(7%) • Quality-assuring all existing and upcoming the Premier League Youth Development
Coaching developmental opportunities provided Conference (PLYDC). The PLYDC provides an
(29%) Alongside the ICS, the Premier League opportunity for all staff within the Academy
developed a new Elite Coaching Plan in system to come together to learn from each
Season 2019/20 with the vision of developing a other, while offering a platform to share and
world-leading coaching development system. collaborate. The event also celebrates the
Academy Performance season’s successes for Academy players and
operations analysis staff during an awards dinner.
(7%) (6%)
Supporting the leadership
at Academies Webinars

Premier League leadership programmes The Premier League and the wider system
aim to develop world-class leaders with the have increasingly used online forums
Sports science knowledge, skills, capabilities and adaptability to engage in discussions and learning
Talent ID and medicine to lead progressive Academies capable of opportunities. During the response to
(8%) (25%) developing talented young players on and off COVID-19 in particular, the Premier League
the pitch. They provide a learning experience focused on providing a number of online
which is specifically tailored for each learning opportunities.
individual, based on a comprehensive analysis
Interdisciplinary support of their development needs and context.
Consequently, each individual’s learning
journey will be different in terms of content, Knowledge sharing
With the young people at the heart of everything that goes on at an Academy, it is duration, delivery and their mentor network.
essential that disciplines work together to cater for their overall development needs.
In addition to knowledge sharing facilitated
The leadership programmes also engage with by the leagues and The FA, clubs are
Clubs adopt different support networks around their players, but a common a diverse range of industry experts to deliver
denominator is how these networks communicate and co-operate to deliver proactive in seeking-out collaborative
insights from football, elite sport, business, learning opportunities across the pyramid
an individualised approach to each Academy player’s development. the military, academia and a range of high- and promoting a community of sharing and
performing industries. learning from one another.

29 30
 Continuous professional Diversifying the workforce
development To promote a more diverse coaching
population, positive action initiatives have
The Premier League has delivered learning been developed with the aims of: increasing
and development programmes since Season the number of professional players from
2013/14, when the Elite Coach Accreditation under-represented populations transitioning
Scheme (ECAS) was introduced. This has into coaching; and increasing the transition
been an expansive area of delivery over the of existing coaches from under-represented
years, with 350+ individuals now enrolled populations into full-time coaching roles.
across programmes.
PPCS Ex-professional players of black
ECAS Launched in 2013 for coaches of heritage are provided access to
high potential to be supported via a 23-month fixed-term contract
the Coach Development Institute in an EFL club alongside a wider
Programme (CDIP). development curriculum.
EHOC Launched in 2016 to equip and CIDS High-potential coaches from
empower Heads of Coaching (HOC) black, Asian, and mixed heritage
to increase the quality of coaching in “I’ve had great coaches and mentors backgrounds and all women, are “The course has been perfect for me
their respective clubs. to learn from and I’ve had nothing provided access to a 23-month fixed- to gain experience within a football
but support in my desire to become a term contract in a Premier League club, but also, with the workshops
EAM Pilot launched in 2018 as a leadership better coach. I still apply the skillsets I or Category 1 club alongside a wider and theory side that go with it. I am
development programme to support learned on a regular basis to this day.’” development curriculum. able to develop myself as a coach
each Academy Manager through a Neil Ryan, former Manchester United and the course will continue to help
bespoke programme of learning. Academy Coach and current England  oach A self-registration system to provide
C me nurture my skills.”
U18 Head Coach (ECAS) Index 
under-represented groups with access Courtney Pitt, Burton Albion (PPCS)
to information about employment
and development opportunities.

The FA
Elite Coach 131 75% Advanced Professional 13 6
Accreditation
Scheme graduates since
Season 2013/14
of Premier League
clubs have signed
Youth Award Player to
Coach System ex-players
signed up in the
individuals have
already been offered
8%
(ECAS) up for the new The Advanced (PPCS)
first 2 cohorts permanent roles
ECAS cohort Youth Award was
launched by The FA
in 2012 to support

86 62 24 c.700
the development of Academy coaches
of coaches who are from black, Asian
are working in the Coach Inclusion
Elite Heads and Diversity and mixed heritage
of Coaching professional game backgrounds
Heads of Coaching postgraduate within the Academy Scheme coaches currently applications
(EHOC) currently engaged diplomas achieved system. (CIDS) involved in for cohort 2
by HOC the scheme

Elite Academy 97 155 c.1,500 Coach Index

266 All 5
Managers Academy coaches coaches professional game
clubs engaged Academy Managers
(EAM) since 2018/19 enrolled since have taken the registered partners support
Season 2018/19 course since 2012 (as of August 2022) this initiative

31 32
 Governance & Independent
quality assurance
While this framework and the work of
the ISO managed to drive an awareness
of standards across the pyramid, it was
agreed by clubs that the professional

Quality Assurance Auditing Academies ensures they continually

strive for improvement and excellence. Quality
assuring the practice within Academies via an
independent audit was identified as one of
game would develop its own independent
company to audit Academies to provide
a more collaborative approach led by
continuous improvement.
the critical success factors of the EPPP and an
Good governance is crucial to drive important part of its implementation. The vision of the new company, the
continually increasing standards, Professional Game Academy Audit
promoting an environment that serves An external entity was contracted in Season Company (PGAAC), is to support the
all clubs and ensuring the work of the 2012/13 as the Independent Standards development of the world’s leading
Academy system is in the best interest of Organisation (ISO) responsible for carrying out Academy system by providing independent
the young people who participate in it. this work on behalf of the professional game. and discipline-specific quality assurance
to all club Academies in the professional
With the introduction of the EPPP and Academies were assessed across a range of game. PGAAC is owned equally by the
following the implementation of the new key performance indicators, ranging from the Premier League, EFL, and The FA. A new,
rule framework, the Academy system has Establishing and coaching and education provision provided more comprehensive assessment framework
made significant strides in driving continuous for players, to facilities, staffing, and the was developed across the areas of: Safe to
improvement across all clubs through various
driving standards overall productivity of the Academy in terms operate (in collaboration with Barnardo’s),
areas of governance and quality assurance. of the number of players who graduate into Compliance and Standards (below).
The rules ensure a high minimum bar for professional football.
all clubs and outlines clear and consistent
standards to which they must adhere Types of audit
Example rule areas Requirements to across all areas of Academy delivery.
Requirements are set across a range of Number of Academies Safe to operate
Time and Players are disciplines and club practices (examples, left). in each category in (nine areas)
distance rules required to live Season 2022/23
These rules are reviewed and updated each
within a maximum
season and best represent the continuous
Compliance
travel distance (six areas)
improvement and evolution of the EPPP

40
from the Academy
training ground to since Season 2012/13.
register with the Standards
club.

Comprehensive Extensive testing

25
safety provisions of physical and
physiological

20
fitness, doctors
with specific Leadership & Pathway & Coaching Performance
football management productivity support
qualifications,
emergency action
plans are required

5
for all Academies.

Category 1

Category 2

Category 3

Category 4
A larger and At Category 1 Education & Safeguarding
more qualified Academies, there player care
workforce are more than 30
full-time positions

16 89
required to comply

350+
with the rules. Youth Development
Rules to protect and
drive standards members of staff audits completed in
work for PGAAC Season 2021/22

33 34
 Incentivising investment Facility investment coming to life
To create the elite environment described in the EPPP and develop world-class A key focus of the EPPP was to improve the environments that enable the
players capable of competing at the highest level, significant investment was development of the young people in the system.
required throughout the pyramid.
New requirements were laid out to ensure the facilities matched the requirements
of the four categories of Academies. The system has continued to invest in state-
of-the-art training facilities to benefit the Academy environment, as well as the
Professional Game Youth Fund Central funding wider community as a whole.
Seasons 2012/13 to 2021/22 (£)
A new funding framework was central to the
implementation of the EPPP. The Professional 70m
Game Youth Fund (PGYF) was set up to 60m
drive investment in the youth development Since the launch of the EPPP, a
50m significant number of clubs have either
system through direct grant funding to clubs, 40m
as well as investment in central projects and refurbished and built new training
30m facilities for their Academies and the
initiatives, such as workforce development. 20m
This is funded through a 4% levy on all Premier wider club. This includes Leicester City,
10m who opened their new £100m training
League and EFL player transfers.
0 ground at Seagrave in 2020, with

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22
21 playing surfaces and elite sports
science and medical facilities.

Club investment Total club Academy spend Academy facilities also act as community
Seasons 2012/13 to 2021/22 (£) hubs, with clubs across the pyramid
Premier League and EFL clubs have invested providing access to people from across
significantly in the development of their their local community through club
200m
Academies since the implementation of foundation and school programmes
the EPPP, with club expenditure above and that bring people together, such as
beyond the central funding they receive 150m
Peterborough’s new air dome facility.
showing the value clubs place on developing
Home Grown players. 100m

50m
Central funding as a % of total club
Academy spend by category
0
Category 1 2 3 4
2012/13

2013/14
2014/15
2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21
2021/22

Category 1 clubs are increasingly

20 33 55 25 exploring purpose built stadia for
%
their older age groups, such as
Manchester City’s Academy stadium,
which is also home to their Women’s
team and hosted three matches for
Recognising returns Academy player sales and the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022.
total eligible expenditure
Investment in the Academy system has Seasons 2012/13 to 2021/22 (£)
resulted in the development of more, better
5bn
First Team players that are thriving at the
highest levels of the game and generating 4bn
significant value for their clubs. 3bn
Built in 2012, St. George’s Park is the
2bn home of England’s Senior and Youth
Transfer fees generated by graduates of the
Academy system between Seasons 2012/13 1bn national football teams, as well as The
and 2021/22 are more than double the 0
FA’s learning and development courses.
investment by the system over this same period, It includes 14 outdoor pitches, a full-size
2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22

demonstrating the positive return on investment indoor 3G pitch, an indoor futsal arena
clubs are realising across the pyramid. and a suite of rehabilitation and sports
science areas.
Player sales Investment
35 36
 Innovation & Insights Calculating the productivity
of Academies
Productivity calculations

Harry Maguire
Productivity is the primary metric developed
The Academy system needs to be equipped with the right information and by the Premier League in 2012 to measure
tools to inform player development. Clubs and professional game partners the effectiveness of an Academy at
continually evaluate their practices and leverage data, research and producing players.
technology to drive continuous improvement. Multiple club
It is represented by a club score which is development
the cumulative total points awarded to
graduates of the club’s Academy according Development time (13 years)
Central system provision to the number and quality of First Team 10 years (= 76%)
appearances they have made. The quality
Performance Management Application (PMA) of appearances is defined by a team strength Developing club(s)
model based on the level of the participating Barnsley 21%, Sheffield United 79%
The PMA provides a comprehensive record competitions and the club’s finishing position
for a given season. Appearance ratio for Season 2020/21
of activity and progress for players and clubs
across all aspects of development from
500k+ 100k+ 72k 96%
the moment they enter the Academy. This coaching fixtures player The proportion of player appearance points
information is captured through an Academy sessions logged profiles allocated to clubs is then determined by the Team strength in Season 2020/21
player’s Performance Clock (right) which logged registered amount of development time that a player Manchester United - 2nd in the
provides ongoing measurement of a player’s registered at the club underwent between Premier League
progression through the Academy and can the U9-U21 age groups.
inform key player development decisions. Performance Clock Club points for Season 2020/21
Productivity by category Barnsley Sheffield United
The PMA also acts as an administrative tool Points scored by Academy graduates in the 12 44
for clubs in scheduling coaching sessions and last nine seasons
matches across the age groups, and supports
Academy sports science operations in areas 1%
such as injury surveillance, benchmark fitness 17%
testing and growth and maturation modelling. 58%
Kalvin Phillips

24%

Late Academy
Informing player and team analysis entry
Category 1 Category 3
The use of data and video underpins the Category 2 Category 4 Development time (13 years)
development pathway at clubs and allows for 6 years (= 47%)
more clarity in decision-making, removing bias
and providing a more objective approach to Developing club(s)
assessing a player’s progression through the Leeds United 100%
pathway.
Appearance ratio for Season 2020/21
Academy players fully understand the 75%
demands of the game, with a deliberate
focus on performance analysis education to Team strength in Season 2020/21
equip them with the skillset to drive their own Leeds United - 9th in the Premier League
development, underpinned with a unique club
philosophy and data-driven approach. Club points for Season 2020/21
age groups in Season 2019/20. This project has Manchester United have consistently
The Premier League introduced the Data and further supported clubs in providing match ranked the highest of all clubs since Leeds United
Video Management System (DVMS) video and footage access to over 3,000 games and data 2012 in Academy productivity 11
data sharing project across Category 1 PDP that informs player and team analysis.

37 38
 Understanding Academy ROI Measuring holistic outcomes
In addition to capturing the academic The Greenhouse Sports STEP framework
While the Academy system’s return on Premier League and EFL Academy attainment of Academy players highlighted (below) which has been used to measure
investment is positive in a simple Academy player market values and sales in the duty of care section, it is important to the holistic impact on young people on the
player sales vs Academy investment analysis, Seasons 2012/13 - 2021/22 (£) capture broader holistic outcomes that the charity’s sports programmes, was applied
this still only recognises a limited view of the Academy experience provides. to the Arsenal Academy environment to
value that clubs up and down the pyramid Estimated market value Sales explore how these skills are developed.
realise from developing Academy players for
2,500m The STEP framework
the First Team. The pilot study demonstrated a wide
2,000m The Premier League, in partnership with range of development experiences
A more complete calculation includes the 1,500m
Arsenal Football Club and Greenhouse Sports, delivered by the Academy across the
‘unrealised’ market value of Academy players conducted a pilot study in order to provide STEP framework, with two examples
that have stayed at the developing club, 1,000m a better understanding of what impact the highlighted below.
as well as the value of playing time from 500m Academy experience has in developing the
these Academy graduates that a club would skills of young people beyond football.
otherwise have had to pay for in the transfer 0

2015/16
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15

2016/17
2017/18
2018/19
2019/20
2020/21
2021/22
market.
Social Thinking Emotional

Return on investment - accounting for both the ‘realised’ Problem-solving

Communication Confidence
and ‘unrealised’ value of Academy players & Creativity

The Premier League has developed a methodology that captures a more

complete view of Academy return on investment for clubs. Central to this
is analysis of a ‘playing return’, which is based on calculating the cost of a
Teamwork Self-reflection Determination
recruited player minute from historic playing time and transfer fee data,
which represents a cost saving for Academy players.

‘Unrealised’ value ‘Realised’ Academy ROI calculation

Leadership Planning Self-discipline
Market Playing Financial Player development
value return return investment
Physical

Recognising current Translating Aggregating all money Quantifying the Social Emotional
and future Academy playing time into a received in respect of money spent into
player value that can monetary value developed players developing players
be realised

Playing return - the value of

Average transfer value of an on-field Academy player minutes
minute in the Premier League Seasons 2016/17 - 2020/21 (£m)
Seasons 2016/17 - 2020/21 James Ward-Prowse

Premier League By Season Cumulative

Value (£)
‘Group’
2020/21 2.5 11.4
UCC level 2,484 2019/20 3.3 8.9
Mid table 901 2018/19 1.9 5.6 Academy Players Leadership Group Academy Island
2017/18 2.1
Empowering U9-U23s to have their voices An interactive tool developed by Arsenal’s
Bottom half 723 heard on key issues. psychology, safeguarding and player care
2016/17 1.6 staff to encourage an open conversation
Relegation 451
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 around mental health and wellbeing.

39 40
 Looking ahead
The landscape for developing young people is very
different a decade on from 2012. The EPPP must
build on the progress made and continue to evolve
to reflect the current and future needs of our game.
Here we set out our strategy for the years ahead.

41
10 years of the EPPP, 5
Further embed parents

10 opportunities for progress into player journeys to

improve communication
and promote collective
Parent education is being
enhanced with a greater
focus on Academy player
responsibility pathway education

1
The South Asian Action
Plan was launched
to tackle one form of
6
Enhance the player
care support available
£2m+
invested by the Premier
underrepresentation to Academy players League to support the
Widen the talent pool in the system during and after they player care workforce
and ensure all young leave the system in the EFL
people have equity of
access and opportunity

7 86% A transition strategy is in place

in each club with increased
standards of three years of

2 Build an alumni
community and support
network that goes further
aftercare for older players
leaving the system

Ensure the pathway is than any other sport

age-appropriate and
mitigate against early New age-specific regulation
professionalisation has been introduced at
pre-academy and
Foundation Phase 8 £5m
Continue to identify

3
further areas of has been invested in
alignment to support The FA’s Emerging
the girls’ pathway Talent Centres by the
Premier League
Provide variety and
flexibility in experiences

9
to support players A wide-ranging review of the
making the step from Professional Development
Academy to First Team Phase is taking place in
Season 2022/23
9%
Further support
the increasingly
multidisciplinary of the pyramid’s on-field

4
workforce to ensure workforce is supported
Player voice forums are being by Premier League L&D
supported across clubs to quality in all areas
programmes
feed into future changes to
Amplify the voice of the system

10
the young people in Distribute central
Academies, ensuring their investment strategically
journeys continue to be to meet the needs of the
shaped by their needs system and reward the
Reward and incentivise right behaviours
club investment in
youth development

44
 Football matters, and The EPPP – the strategy for the Academy system

we’re here for all of it What we’re creating

How the Premier League drives success - Unrivalled development environments

our ‘virtuous circle’
Being home to the best domestic and international talent continues
to be at the heart of the success of the Premier League.
What we’re doing

Supporting young people who are aspiring footballers to

Enabling Creating best maximise their potential, on and off the pitch
sustainable with best -
reinvestment, developing
up and down world-class Home
the pyramid, to Grown players to
develop the next play alongside How we’re doing it
generation global talent
The best
football...
Elite player development & personal growth

What we care about

...with revenue
distributed ...drives More and A life-enriching The health
responsibly... better players experience of our game
interest...

The Building Blocks

Engaging fans Talent ID Player Pathway Duty of Care

and developing
deep connections
to their clubs

...generates
Contributing to value...
on-pitch success, Workforce Governance & Innovation &
off-pitch returns Development Quality Assurance Insights
and being a
force for good

45 46
 Eilte player development & Personal growth
Unrivalled development environments
We help young people step out We make sure young people
Recognised for producing more and better Home Grown players. of their comfort zones to build get a good education and build
unique strengths on the pitch. well-rounded life skills.
Respected for setting young people up for life.
Always raising the bar. Then we support them as they They are empowered to reach their
What we’re creating

go even further, so they can win full potential, so they can succeed —
at the highest level. whatever that means for them.

How we’re doing it

Supporting young people who are aspiring
footballers to maximise their potential, Marcus Rashford MBE
on and off the pitch Manchester United Academy graduate,
England international, and child rights campaigner
They develop positive attitudes for life, and learn what it takes to win.
Breathtaking on the pitch.
Thriving everywhere else.
What we’re doing

Ed Cook
Burnley and Watford Academy graduate, Loughborough University
student, and Premier League Futures participant

47 48
 What we care about The Building Blocks

Providing access to optimal development • Scouting

environments for young people with • Recruitment
potential.
Talent ID • Registrations
Committing to ensure everyone has the • Diversity of the talent pool
More and A life-enriching The health of same opportunity, regardless of their
better players experience our game background.
We embrace potential We put the young person’s We want everyone to be
and empower aspiring interests first. We support proud of our Academies Delivering bespoke player programmes • Coaching
footballers to achieve their holisticUnrivalled
development,developmentand the environments shaped by multidisciplinary expertise for
on-pitch excellence. equipping them to we create. • Performance support
environments Player each stage of development.
balance football with their • Games programme
We create the right personal lives. We work together to Pathway
opportunities, and stimulate investment in Enabling aspiring footballers to reach • Transition to senior football
pathways to First So that whatever their youth development – it their potential by providing a variety of
Team football. future holds, they’re better is essential to improving experiences and challenges.
off for having been an football for the future.
Academy player.
Creating safe, inclusive and trusted • Education & player care
environments that promote wellbeing • Safeguarding
and support personal growth through
outstanding education and holistic • Equality & inclusion
What does success look like? Duty of
Care experiences. • Health & medical

Preparing children and young adults for

life, by understanding their needs and
collaborating with their families and
support networks.

England leads all nations Time at an Academy is Youth development Creating a culture of individualised • Professional qualifications
in the number of quality universally recognised as provides tangible learning and continuing professional & development
players developed. a positive experience. benefits to clubs across Workforce development for all of our people. • Individualised learning
all four divisions. Development
Providing growth opportunities that create • Equality, diversity & inclusion
a level of expertise and practice that’s • Knowledge sharing &
unmatched in sport. mentoring

Young Home Grown Continually raising standards and • Stakeholder engagement

The academic attainment Academies promote protecting the integrity of our system.
players break into, of Academy players equality, embrace diversity, Governance • Rules & regulation
and regularly play for, exceeds that of their and champion inclusion, & Quality • Investment & infrastructure
First Teams across the Incentivising investment and driving
peers nationally. allowing everyone to fulfil Assurance sustainability in youth development to • Audit & categorisation
professional game. their potential. ensure everyone wins.

Leveraging data, research and technology • Technologies & systems

to inform elite player development and • Data analytics
England teams top the Academy graduates Standards continue to Innovation personal growth.
world rankings and achieve go on to achieve success improve across all categories & Insights • Research
major tournament success. beyond their time in of Academy and investment Continually evaluating and innovating • Evaluation & impact
the system. increases sustainably. to improve evidence-based practices.

49 50
 The Elite Player
Performance Plan

development environ
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Un
Playe r Pathway

nd better pla
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Mo s

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Elite player development
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