The Under-18 Premier League replaced the Premier Academy League at the start of the 2012/13 season with the aim to enhance youth development and help transition players between the Academy and first team.

The Under-18 Premier League is where the 29 Category One Club Academies play, and is split into the North and South Division, with no promotion or relegation.

The two regional division champions play in a National Final for the overall U18 Premier League title. The one-off tie is held at a main stadium. 

The 2025/26 U18 Premier League takes place under the following criteria:
- In total, 29 clubs compete, with each of the clubs having applied for Category One status. There are 18 clubs from the Premier League, 10 from the Championship and one from League One.
- There are three new clubs entering the competition this season - Birmingham City, Burnley and Ipswich Town 
- The 29 clubs are split into two regional groups, the North Group and the South Group.
- Clubs will play each opposing team in their regional group twice, home and away.
- For the overall title, the North Group and South Group winners will play in a one-off national final at a main stadium.

Age requirement:
Clubs are not allowed to field any outfield players outside the Under-18 age category. However, the goalkeeper is permitted to come from the Under-19 age category.

Under-18 Premier League winners

2024/25: Aston Villa
2023/24: Manchester United
2022/23: Manchester City
2021/22: Manchester City
2020/21: Manchester City
2019/20: N/A*
2018/19: Derby County
2017/18: Chelsea
2016/17: Chelsea
2015/16: Manchester City
2014/15: Middlesbrough
2013/14: Everton
2012/13: Fulham
*National final did not finish due to curtailment of season