Visitors to premierleague.com are often interested in how the current Premier League stars started their careers. We are regularly asked about the work of Premier League Clubs' Youth Schemes and what is involved in becoming a top Premier League player.
All 20 member Clubs operate an elite talent programme in addition to their local 'grass routes' community scheme. These schemes are designed to develop the best available talented youngsters to enable them to reach their full potential. Inevitably only a small number of players make it to play at the very top level but all boys should benefit from what is an unrivalled experience. Here are responses to some frequently asked questions:
What is a Premier League Academy?
A Premier League Academy is the country's highest ranking youth development scheme for aspiring male footballers (many Clubs also run separate excellence programmes for girls as well).
There are currently 41 Premier and Football League Academies in the country, all of which have been licensed in conjunction with the Football Association.
How does a Club become a licensed Academy?
Academies are only granted licences once they have proven their professionalism and quality. The licence is valid for 5 years.
The criteria that must be met to become a licensed Academy is very detailed. Listed below are some of the general points:
Academy members are restricted to only playing games for the Club itself and his school. This is designed to ensure that youngsters are not playing too much football.
All coaches must hold UEFA Level 3 coaching licences or higher.
The student to staff ratio must not be greater than 10 to one.
The Club must be able to provide high-quality facilities, not just in terms of outdoor and indoor playing areas, but all development needs including medical and education.
A minimum of 3 hours a week training (9-12 years), 5 hours a week (12-16 years) and 12 hours a week (17/18 years) must be provided for all registered players.
The games programme in the regular season only permits matches organised between academies.
There is also a limit to the number of games they are allowed to play for the club up to the age of 16, with a minimum limit of 24 and maximum of 30.
Clubs must pay great attention to the physical, medical, education, emotional and social needs of the players, and highly qualified staff are employed in these areas to provide the requisite support.
Finally, clubs are required to offer the holistic approach to football development. This means that members should receive support for their academic and life-skills needs as well as their football development.
What is a Centre of Excellence?
Centres of Excellence are the second highest tier of elite youth development. The criteria to run a Centre of Excellence is reduced in certain areas for clubs who decide that they do not wish to commit to the demands of running an Academy.
At present there are 19 Academies and 1 Centre of Excellence amongst the clubs in the Premier League.
Who can join an Academy?
All players who attend an Academy must be registered.
Registration is between nine and 18 years of age with 1st September (the same as schools) being used as the start point.
The nine-eleven age group players are registered for one year at a time and must live within one hour's travel time of the Academy. The 12-16 age group players are registered bi-annually and must live within 1 ½ hours travel time of the Academy. These restrictions can be lifted for geographically disadvantaged players in the 12 plus age groups.
When players leave school they are entitled to become a registered Scholar. This is a two year agreement which combines a minimum of 12 hours a week technical training and the same time following a chosen education programme.
Players may sign professional contracts from 17 years of age.
How can I get a trial?
Clubs rarely hold open trials. Instead trials are usually given to promising youngsters who have been spotted by a club scout or recommended by their Junior Club or School.
Clubs should always discuss trial opportunities with the parents of a player and their local club (if they have one) prior to inviting him for a trial. Trials are for a maximum of six weeks for any one Club per season. If the player impresses he may be offered registration (see above).
What are the expectations?
From the moment they walk through the doors, members of an Academy are taught not just how to play the game at the highest level but how to represent themselves and the club on and off the pitch. They also need to be suitably athletic as the physical demands of the programme are intense.
Players need more than just talent to succeed at an Academy. They must have commitment, self-discipline and unshakeable determination.
Training is a demanding experience, with a player's progress being closely monitored at every step.
However, meeting those demands has its rewards and whether youngsters make it into the first team or not, training at the Academy is an experience that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
