Youth

Professional Development League: Format explained

1 Jul 2021
Birmingham City win the 2020/21 Professional Development League

Category Two clubs compete in two regional divisions before vying for national title

Related Articles
Premier League International Cup: Format explained
Premier League Cup: Format explained
Premier League 2: Competition format explained

The Professional Development League replaced the Under-21 Professional Development League 2 from 2016/17, bringing together 21 Under-23 sides from Category Two Academies in two regional divisions before a national play-off for the honour of being overall champions.

The competition is one academy tier below Premier League 2, where the 26 Category One academy clubs play, and is split into the North and South Division, with no promotion or relegation.

Teams in the Professional Development League have applied for ‘Category Two’ status in the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

Currently there are nine teams in the North Division and nine in the South. Each club plays every team in their regional league twice, once home and once away, and the two top sides from each division go into a play-off for the overall title.

As with Premier League 2, clubs are only allowed to field three outfield players over the age of 23, or born after 1 January 1997, plus the goalkeeper is also permitted to be over the age limit.

Each club must host at least five league matches at their main stadium during the course of the season, which helps to enhance the matchday experience for the young players and fans.

Member clubs' training grounds or Academy venues will be permitted for the staging of other home matches over the course of the league season.

Roll of Honour

2020/21
Professional Development League National Champions: Birmingham City
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Sheffield United
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Bristol City

2019/20
Professional Development League National Champions: N/A
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Nottingham Forest
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Millwall
* Final league positions determined by Points Per Game methodology due to season curtailment

2018/19
Professional Development League National Champions: Leeds United
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Leeds United
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Ipswich Town

2017/18
Professional Development League National Champions: Bolton Wanderers
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Bolton Wanderers
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Crystal Palace

2016/17 
Professional Development League National Champions: Sheffield Wednesday
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Sheffield Wednesday
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Charlton Athletic

2015/16
Professional Development League National Champions: Huddersfield Town
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Huddersfield Town
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Charlton Athletic

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

15 Oct 2024

Watch the BEST SKILLS of the season so far

Dazzling dribbles and fancy flicks as players show off their creative flair in our compilation of 2024/25's best skills

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details to submit your entry.