The Premier League Youth Department has seven main functions.

These are:

1. To award clubs licences (Academy or Centre of Excellence) to operate an appropriate youth programme

2. To register young players between the ages of nine and 18

3. To organise the Academy Games Programme (the Football League organises the games programme for Centres of Excellence) including the Under 18 Academy League

4. To represent our clubs in national and where appropriate, international youth development matters

5. To support the clubs' player and parent education and welfare programme

6. To monitor the clubs' compliance with Premier League Youth Rules

7. To provide advice and support to our clubs in youth development matters