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.
For the 2025/26 season, three new Clubs have joined the U18 Premier League having been awarded Category 1 status; Birmingham City, Burnley and Ipswich Town. The U18 Premier League is a regionalised competition with the 29 Category One Club Academies being split into two regional groups, North and South. Clubs will play each opposing team in their regional group twice, home and away throughout the season.
The winner of each regional group will be crowned the U18 Premier League North or South winners.
At the end of the season, the winner of each regional group will compete in the U18 Premier League National Final hosted at the drawn Home Club’s main stadium. The winner of this final will be crowned the U18 Premier League National Champions.
Player Eligibility
No overage outfield players are permitted within the U18 Premier League competition with the exception of one goalkeeper who must be from within the Club’s U19 age group.
Roll of Honour
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