Welcome
Season 2023/24 was a landmark one for Football Development in the Premier League, driven by the launch of our newly developed Football Development strategy, which sets out clear objectives to ensure the Premier League remains home to the best football, now and in the future. This strategy focuses on delivering and supporting world-leading development environments that empower players, coaches, staff and match officials to reach their full potential, while also ensuring that football remains equitable and accessible for all. By aligning with these priorities, we aim to support the long-term success of the Premier League and the professional game.
This season marked the launch of several new programmes and initiatives supporting those with high potential, including the Future Academy Leaders and Future Coach Developer. They are designed to support a diverse range of individuals entering the football workforce and to offer a variety of development opportunities.
The performance pathway also continues to be enhanced, ensuring young players, coaches, staff and match officials receive the individualised support and tailored development opportunities they need to excel. We continue to see increasing numbers of Academy graduates making their mark in the Premier League as well as experiencing success beyond the pitch.
Governance and quality assurance have been at the forefront of our work. The Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) delivered detailed assessments across all licensed Academies, ensuring that clubs maintain high standards in areas such as safeguarding, player care, and mental and emotional wellbeing.
We have also made significant strides in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the football ecosystem.
The South Asian Action Plan (SAAP) has played a pivotal role in creating pathways for under represented groups, striving to ensure football provides an inclusive and diverse environment. This season saw the expansion of our flagship Emerging Talent Festival, engaging with 11 Premier League and EFL clubs to showcase British South Asian talent, while providing valuable development opportunities for grassroots coaches and parent engagement.
The introduction of the Football Intelligence Platform has brought exciting new potential to the way clubs manage and track player development. By consolidating over 500 million data points and implementing cuttingedge features, the platform is helping to equip clubs with the tools to make more informed decisions that enhance performance on and off the pitch. Additionally, the Academy Performance Dashboard (APD) and Pro Coach App have broadened possibilities in tracking Academy success and supporting coach development across the league.
Moving into Season 2024/25, the Premier League remains committed to continuous improvement and meeting the objectives of our Football Development strategy. 4 32 12 38 18 44 24 51
1. Overview of Football Development in Season 2023/24
goals scored in Season 2023/24 - an all-time Premier League record 1,246
goals scored by English playersthe most since Season 2001/02 369 English players inside the top 10 scorers in the league 6
debuts by Home Grown players, the third highest since the launch of the Elite Player Performance Plan in Season 2012/13 67 referees from PGMOL’s new Development Group officiated matches in the Premier League
Home Grown players are excelling in the Premier League and across Europe Home Grown award winners - Season 2023/24
League
Delivering and supporting world-leading development environments to enhance the long-term future of the professional game
high potential Optimising the performance pathway Ensuring a duty of care Core Delivery Areas
What we care about
How we measure the success of our development environments can be divided into four core pillars:
1. The best talent: Identifying and developing potential
More Academy graduates are progressing through to the professional game
7,000+ games scheduled and delivered
Who we are serving
96.4%
Home Grown players made their Premier League debut, the highest since Season 2019/20 and the third highest since the start of the EPPP of decisions have been correct after VAR intervention
2. Life-enriching experiences: Focusing on the development of the person
Ofsted Outstanding rating across all five areas of inspection for the third consecutive occasion maintaining that grade for the 13 years
67 90
Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP)
Our strategy for the Academy system
Supporting young people who are aspiring footballers to maximise their potential, on and off the pitch
The system puts holistic development at the heart of Academy player development of parents agree that Academies care about their child’s development beyond football 91%
3. Equitable opportunities: Providing access and a fair environment for all Our development programmes support the workforce across the English pyramid referees from PGMOL’s new Development Group have officiated matches in the Premier League this season, including the first British South Asian referee 5
English professional clubs have had staff engaged on Premier League development programmes clubs participated in the Emerging Talent Festival to highlight British South Asian representation 11
Elite Coaching Plan (ECP)
Our strategy for Coach development
Improving pathways for coaches and to create a world-leading coaching development system in Academies and at first-team level
4. A thriving ecosystem: Protecting the health of the game invested into the Academy system this season to ensure Academies continue to provide world-class environments £300m+
Elite Referee Development Plan (ERDP)
Our strategy for developing Match Officials
Establishing a new global standard in Match Officiating performance and development in partnership with PGMOL
Identifying high potential
Providing access to optimal development environments for individuals with high potential.
Ensuring practices around talent identification and recruitment follow best practice.
14,000
There are over boys registered within the Academy System
Core delivery areas
Optimising the performance pathway
Providing bespoke programmes shaped by multidisciplinary expertise for each stage of development.
Enabling individuals to reach their potential by providing a variety of experiences, challenges and growth opportunities.
c.1,400 injury and illness surveillance reviews per season across the first team and Academy
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
Committing to ensure everyone has the same opportunity, regardless of their background.
Driving and celebrating diversity whilst championing inclusivity through our activity and initiatives.
150+ personnel of high potential from underrepresented groups engaged on our learning and development programmes
Leading good governance and quality assurance
Continually raising standards and protecting the integrity of our system through holistic assessment and support.
Collaborating with partners across the professional game to drive sustainability to ensure that everyone wins.
100% of Academies were assessed by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company
Ensuring a duty of care
Creating safe, respectful and trusted environments that promote wellbeing and support personal growth through holistic experiences.
Ensuring individuals are appropriately cared for, by understanding their needs and collaborating with them.
91% of parents agree that the Academy experience is positive
Driving innovation and insights
Leveraging data, research and technology to develop insights that inform football development activity.
Continually evaluating and innovating to improve evidencebased practices.
580,000+ sessions created within the Football Intelligence Platform
2. Identifying High Potential
1. Identifying High Potential
The Premier League has delivered a variety of initiatives this season with the objectives of identifying and supporting individuals with high potential and providing the optimal development environments for them to thrive and succeed.
The diversity of the Academy system
The system is dedicated to providing access and opportunities for aspiring footballers to join the Academy environment. Club structures and networks across the country facilitate the inclusion of young talent, helping them maximise their potential. The table below shows the percentage of Academy players (U9-U16) by ethnicity compared to the population of England and Wales.
Relative Age Effect (RAE)
A higher proportion of boys in the Academy System are born in the first quarter of the Academic year.
45%
Other ethnic groups:
South Asian Action Plan
The South Asian Action Plan is a core pillar of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism Action Plan, aiming to enhance player pathways and diversify the professional game’s workforce. This long-term initiative focuses on players entering the Academy system, particularly those in the U9 to U11 age groups, fostering diversity both on and off the pitch.
Emerging Talent Festival
The Premier League hosted its third Emerging Talent Festival, which engaged 11 clubs from the Premier League and the EFL.
39%
of Academy players are born in the first quarter of the academic year England’s 26-man squad for EURO 2024 defies the RAE bias within Academies with 39 per cent of players born in the third quarter and only 19 per cent in the first quarter
Bio-Banding Festival
Bio-banding addresses variations in physical capabilities among players of the same chronological age but differing maturity levels. This approach allows late maturers to showcase their technical skills and leadership qualities, while early maturers develop new strategies beyond their physical dominance.
The Premier League organised a Bio-Banding Festival in April 2024 along with a series of instructional webinars on the topic.
11 clubs participated in the festival
Four clubs hosted events
The objectives of the festival are:
Evidence the levels of South Asian participation in football, reflecting their passion, commitment and contribution to the sport at all levels
Identify an opportunity to showcase the talent within the communities 2
Showcase the leading work clubs are doing in providing inclusive pathways and their commitment to increasing representation 3 1
Academy workforce
The Premier League delivers a variety of learning and development programmes across disciplines, with the offer expanding further in Season 2023/24 to include different areas of specialism within Academies, bringing new and more diverse individuals into the football workforce.
Future Coach Developer
50%
Academy Leaders
of coaches on the development programme are from underrepresented groups.
Academy Leaders Academy Leaders represent diverse roles within club Academies, including Education, Player Care, Physiotherapy, Operations, Physical Development, and Performance.
Player to Match
Official
21
10
Future Coach Developer
individuals have been identified from 120 applicants, who will now undertake a three-year intensive full-time programme of development to become professional referees.
The Future Coach Developer (FCD) programme was introduced in Season 2022/23 to develop a pipeline of coach developers for the professional game, while driving greater diversity across the coach developer workforce.
Season 2023/24 saw 17 aspiring Coach Developers start a two-year development programme. 17
Individuals complete a European Mentoring and Coaching Council qualification
Coach Developers explored workshop topics around challenging conversations have transitioned into Coach Developer roles 5
The purpose of the Academy Leaders programme is to support Premier League and EFL clubs with succession planning in Academy leadership, by developing a programme that effectively prepares a diverse group of individuals for Academy leadership roles.
“The programme gives me a reference when faced with challenges and has provided me with an extended community of leaders. As well as the course modules I found it refreshing to talk, debate and challenge other leaders about their leadership methods and styles. I am a big believer in learning from others and adapting things to your own way. I have certainly been influenced by the excellent work of the cohort.”
Player to Match Official
As part of the ERDP, this initiative aims to modernise the match officiating pathway by providing opportunities for individuals with high potential to progress in the game. Working in partnership with the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and PGMOL, 10 individuals have been identified to enrol on the development programme.
This development programme provides referees with:
1
2
45
Coach Developers supported with 18 from under-represented backgrounds
Centralised training, including both technical and practicalbased sessions
3
A personalised games programme which will offer participants the chance to officiate games at a variety of levels in line with their performance
Elite Coach Accreditation Scheme
The Elite Coach Accreditation Scheme (ECAS) aims to identify high potential Academy coaches working full-time in Premier League or Category 1 Academies and support them to achieve new levels of expertise through an individualised development programme.
4
Expert coaching input from experienced personnel within the game
Possible refereeing opportunities across England’s professional leagues within or on successful completion of the three-year programme
for Season 2023/24 and Season 2024/25 cohorts 20 unique club nominations
Stephen Torpey Current Academy Director at Brentford FC, and former Head of Coaching at Manchester City FC
3. Optimising the Performance Pathway
Crystal Palace v PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League International Cup 2024
3. Optimising the Performance
Pathway
This season, we have continued to provide bespoke development pathways for players, coaches, staff, and match officials, allowing individuals to maximise their potential while navigating challenging environments. We will continue to review these pathways with the objective of ensuring they offer a variety of experiences and valuable growth opportunities.
Foundation Phase (FP)
This programme is designed to help players develop their ball mastery, 1v1 skills and confidence through a holistic approach, with the overarching aim of enhancing their love for the game.
Highlights
U9 Welcome Festival
U9 / U10 / U11 Futsal Tournaments
U10 / U11 National Tournaments
Youth Development Phase (YDP)
This programme is designed for players to develop their tactical, psychological and social understanding of the game, whilst continuing to enhance their mastery of the ball through different formats and competition.
Highlights
U12 Truce Tournament
U13 / U14 / U15 International Tournaments
U16 National Tournament
Professional Development Phase (PDP)
Providing players with opportunities to experience the demands of competitive environments through participation in a range of domestic and international competitions.
Highlights
Premier League 2 (PL2)
Premier League International Cup
Premier League Cup
OUR KEY PRINCIPLES
FUN - VARIETY - EXPERIENCES - HOLISTIC - COMPETITION
Games Programme highlights from Season 2023/24
Small sided games - Futsal
Futsal and other small sided game formats continue to ensure the games programme delivers a variety of formats that encourage a range of player development benefits.
Manchester City FC, West Ham United FC and Newcastle United FC were the tournament winners in the U9, U10 and U11 age groups respectively.
621 goals were scored across 99 futsal matches delivered in Season 2023/24.
U13 / U14 / U15 International tournaments
Our international tournaments introduce Academy Players to a wide variety of opponents, each deploying different tactics and styles of play.
Academy Players are required to adapt to these demands in competition formats that encourage jeopardy and challenge optimal recovery.
Premier League 2 new format
The Premier League 2 competition forms an essential part of the range of competition experiences available to players in the PDP.
A change of format took place ahead of Season 2023/24, seeing all Category 1 Academies placed in a single division of 26 teams. Following completion of the 20-game regular season, the top 16 teams qualify for a single elimination playoff competition.
International opponents in Season 2023/24 included: Bayern Munich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Club, R.S.C Anderlecht, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Stade Rennais.
Continuing professional development
In the dynamic landscape of football, continuous professional development is essential for maintaining the highest standards of coaching and support. Our comprehensive development programmes ensure those working within the professional game are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge, fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
Development Group
The Development Group is a programme established by PGMOL to identify, train and develop referees and assistant referees with the potential to officiate at the highest levels of English football as part of the ERDP. This group of referees made significant progress in Season 2023/24.
Sunny Singh Gill refereed 12 EFL Championship games and made his Premier League debut during Season 2023/24 becoming the first British South Asian referee to take charge of a Premier League game
Sam Allison, the first referee of Black heritage to officiate a Premier League game in 15 years, took charge of Sheffield United FC v Luton Town FC
games refereed at a level higher than the referee is aligned against
games refereed at two levels higher than the referee is aligned against
The Development Group officials receive ongoing learning and development support
1. 2.
3. 4.
5.
Enhanced coaching and performance support
Access to and support from technical coaches, psychologists, football insight coaches, nutrition experts and sports scientists.
More contact time and additional group meetings
Several combined camps with the Select Group that offer Development Group officials an opportunity to learn from their peers.
Individualised plans
Coaches provide selected match officials with coaching based on their individual needs and development requirements.
New holistic performance assessment
The nine Key Performance Characteristics (KPC) for a high performing match official have been defined to develop a new holistic assessment process for match officials.
Tailored games programme
Selected officials are regularly assessed to ensure they benefit from an accelerated progression plan. High-performing Development Group officials are rewarded with higher-level appointments.
Elite Academy Manager (EAM)
Launched in 2018, EAM is an individualised development programme for all in-situ Academy Managers in Premier League and EFL club Academies.
In July 2024, 13 Academy Managers graduated from the University of Portsmouth with an MSc in Football Academy Management under the EAM programme.
“EAM has been instrumental in shaping my leadership approach, particularly in embedding a clear, unified vision and a strong, positive culture within the Academy. The programme has provided me with structured guidance and practical tools to lead effectively, aligning our team’s goals with our Academy’s strategic objectives. By enhancing my leadership capabilities, EAM has allowed me to cultivate an environment where each member feels motivated and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the Academy’s success.”
Workforce consultation
Premier League programmes have continued to evolve, so has the football workforce, both in size and the breadth of disciplines working across football. We invited various disciplines and their leadership teams from both first teams and Academies to complete a survey aimed at gaining deeper insights into the football workforce. responses received across 15 disciplines
Elite Head of Coaching
Elite Head of Coaching (EHOC) is an individualised development programme designed to empower Heads of Coach Development (HOCD) professionals with unparalleled training, guidance, and support. Through specialised assistance, continuous professional development opportunities, and ongoing mentoring, HOCD professionals acquire the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to excel in their roles.
During Season 2023/24, the EHOC programme continued to support 93 Heads of Coach Development, including Assistant Heads of Coach Development, through workshops, experiences, mentoring, and webinars. In addition to several guest speakers throughout the season, the Heads of Coach Development had opportunities to engage in learning with high performance practitioners and global experts in coach development.
Rebecca Welch, first woman to referee a Premier League game Fulham FC v Sheffield United FC
Per Mertesacker Arsenal FC Academy Manager
4. Ensuring a Duty of Care
Academy
take part in extra
players
curricular activities during 2023 Premier League U12 Truce Tournament
4. Ensuring a Duty of Care
Caring for players, coaches, staff and match officials remains a top priority across the game. We are committed to continually enhancing our duty of care, ensuring that all individuals within the football community can thrive both on and off the pitch. Through rigorous standards, comprehensive support systems, and ongoing investment in welfare initiatives, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for everyone involved in the game.
Listening to Academy players and parents
The Premier League completes an annual survey gathering feedback from parents of Academy players to better understand their journeys, views of the system and to inform and improve practice
91% of parents agree that the Academy experience is positive 78% of parents agree that Academies provide enough education support
Education progress
Academy Players continue to demonstrates high level outcomes, with boys achieving excellent GCSE grades, and an increase in players going on to take A Levels and other Level 3 qualifications alongside their Apprenticeship.
For the third consecutive inspection, the Premier League has received an Outstanding grade across all five areas for the Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) Apprenticeship.
Academy enrichment programme
In Season 2023/24, the Premier League provided a range of enrichment activities, such as the Truce Tournament and the Duke of Edinburgh Award, offering Academy players a variety of life enriching experiences alongside their football development.
Football Remembers the Holocaust
Working alongside the Holocaust Educational Trust, Football Remembers the Holocaust focuses on providing knowledge, aiding understanding and learning about the issues related to the Holocaust-past, present and future. Season 2023/24 saw an U14 fixture marked on the January 27th as Holocaust Memorial Day.
This season eight Premier League and four international Academies embarked on an unforgettable experience as they participated in the Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament in Ypres, Belgium. Players were also challenged to create an education project raising their awareness of the sacrifices made during the First World War.
Duke
of Edinburgh
Players gain transferable skills that benefit them on- and off-pitch. Season 2023/24 saw the boys take part in a three-day expedition that saw them develop their navigation, camping and teamwork abilities.
No Room For Racism
Premier League Inspires
In Season 2023/24, Premier League Inspires was aimed at working with scholars and U21s, with young players creating a social action project.
During Season 2023/24, Academy players and staff researched and celebrated players of black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds and created a range of educational content with the aim of connecting young people with the club, as well as learning the stories and experiences of players before them.
Young Academy Writer of the Year
the Apprenticeship 91%
The Young Academy Writer of the Year award in Season 2023/24 provided Academy players an opportunity to showcase their writing skills and demonstrate to parents and Clubs the importance of educational development.
Christmas Truce
Jeriah Boateng, Young Academy Writer of the Year 2024, Brighton and Hove Albion FC
Participant Behaviour Charter
Ahead of Season 2023/24, the Premier League, The FA, EFL, Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), Barclays Women’s Championship, National League System (Steps 1-4), and the referees’ governing body PGMOL, collectively launched a new Participant Behaviour Charter for the professional game. The core objective of the charter is to introduce stronger measures for players, managers, coaches, support staff, and club officials to follow on matchdays. It also ensures the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship, creating a respectful and disciplined environment for all participants involved in the game.
yellow cards issued for dissent (79 in Season 2022/23)
2 charges for surrounding referees (17 in Season 2022/23)
2 charges for mass confrontation (13 in Season 2022/23)
Each year, the Premier League delivers a Wellbeing as a Competitive Advantage workshop, led by Bruce Suraci, Academy Head of Coaching and Development at AFC Bournemouth and a graduate of the Elite Head of Coach Development programme. This workshop aims to elevate the understanding and application of wellbeing among coaching professionals, providing Heads of Coach Development with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance their own wellbeing, as well as that of the coaches they work with and their clubs.
This initiative is a step towards making wellbeing an integral part of coaching culture, equipping Heads of Coach Development with the tools and knowledge needed to foster a healthier, more resilient, and more successful football community.
Brain health
The Premier League is the first league in the world to implement an all encompassing, codified head injury protocol that is supported by regulation and education.
This protocol includes work to support pitch side medical practitioners in identifying potential head injuries through supplying world leading video review systems.
Player brain health workshops have been delivered to Clubs throughout the season. The workshops are mandated for all First Team, U21 and U18 players.
The sessions are delivered by Sporting Chance and cover the areas of concussion management, heading and mental health.
A concussion management workshop for Premier League medical staff was arranged and delivered in the September 2023 international break. It was mandatory and was delivered collaboratively by the Premier League and The FA. Premier League Clubs’ Doctors, Heads of Medical and Match Day Medical Coordinators attended.
The Premier League has funded research in this area including;
• Understanding heading exposure by quantifying heading in training and in matches throughout the development phases
• Understanding the biomechanical load through instrumented mouthguards and brain modelling
In Season 2024/25, the Football Development team will expand work in this area through the funding of a PhD to understand the impact of neck physical qualities (e.g strength) on managing the forces players are exposed to when heading.
The research will explore the assessment and programming of neck strength in a football population. There is growing evidence that neck strength may be a mitigating factor for the forces associated with head impacts.
The League has established an agreement with Coventry University for a PhD studentship focused on neck strengthening research.
Injury and illness surveillance
Premier League has an Injury and Illness Surveillance Project in place at both first team and Academy football.
• The League has partnerships with internationally recognised researchers at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Bath to process and analyse this data for our clubs ensuring the highest quality insights can be obtained
• Our data set is comprehensive, having been gathered from over 10 years of Academy football
• This research is fed back to clubs providing a data source that assists their prioritisation of injury prevention strategies, with the aim of optimising player health and player availability within the League
• The Premier League uses this information to help inform where it can best support clubs for maximal impact on player health and to prioritise projects
Coach wellbeing
Creating communities of support among our players
We continue to work with partners to provide world-leading support and career opportunities for Academy players taking their next steps beyond playing football.
Premier League Futures
The Premier League Futures development programme is a 12-month leadership and personal development initiative open to current and former Academy players, and Women’s Super League academy players aged 18-24. The programme aims to explore industry and develop leadership qualities and essential life skills. The programme is led by the Premier League, with sessions and inspirational speakers provided by relevant organisations and partners such as, Premier League Productions, Nike, EA and Barclays.
2. Leadership skills
To foster leadership skills, personal development, and holistic growth among participants.
Premier League Futures
“My time on the Premier League Futures programme was invaluable. I got to meet some incredible people, all with different backgrounds and experiences but all with a drive to learn more about themselves as leaders and those around them. Everyone was so encouraging of one another and even the staff too. It became a little family every time we met up. The number of places we were able to visit such as The Lake District, Nike HQ, Google HQ and more gave us the opportunity to meet people in different sectors and take part in workshops and activities that either encouraged us to figure out what kind of leader we were or how we could become more effective in being a leader around others. I’ll remember this experience for the rest of my life and will hold onto the friendships I’ve made.”
How players are being supported transition through the game
1.
U16 Development Programme
The Premier League and EFL deliver a collaborative event aimed at providing sporting, educational and personal development for U16 players without a scholarship offer from next season.
2.
PDP Preparation Programme
The PDP Preparation Programme provides an elite training experience where players benefit from highly regarded coaches, expert performance staff and personal development team at the world class environment of Loughborough University. Players take part in a series of elite performance and football sessions, specifically designed to support their entry into the season at peak performance. Alongside training, the programme includes sessions on player pathway / recruitment options, while also providing career support and guidance.
3. Inclusive representation
To promote inclusivity and diversity within the football industry’s workforce through our current aspirational players and Academy alumni.
3.
Alumni schemes
Clubs have launched their own alumni schemes to provide opportunities for further engagement with past Academy players, providing transition support for those leaving the Academy and creating a virtuous network for young players entering new stages of their lives.
Premier League Futures Development Programme Cohort 2023/24
Ashley Plumptre
Premier League Futures Cohort 2023/24, Al-Ittihad FC and Nigeria national team
5. Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
5. Championing Equality, Diversity and
Inclusion
The Premier League and the Football Development team continue to be at the forefront of providing development opportunities to those from underrepresented groups and made significant progress across its key initiatives in Season 2023/24.
No Room for Racism Action Plan
The Premier League’s No Room For Racism Action Plan was launched in 2021, outlining a series of commitments aimed at creating greater access to opportunities and career progression for Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups in football, along with actions to eradicate racial prejudice.
In line with our Football Development strategy, we have committed to drive progress and increase diversity across the game through a variety of programmes and initiatives.
Improving player pathways
Developing coaching pathways
Enhancing referee pathways
1,000
boys and girls involved in South Asian Action Plan qualifiers held by 11 Premier League and EFL clubs
88% of participants from the Premier League’s inclusive coaching programmes are in employment with clubs, with 79 in full time or full time fixed roles
23
officials participated in the inaugural Core X programme — a collaboration between PGMOL, The FA, and the Black, Asian, and Mixed Heritage (BAM) Referee Support initiative. The cohort included 18 officials operating at Steps 3-4 in the men’s pyramid and five officials operating at Tiers 3-4 in the women’s pyramid.
Women’s and girls’ game funding
The Premier League has committed substantial investment to support the development of the women’s game.
• Over the next three years, the league is investing £21 million specifically into women’s and girls’ football.
• This funding includes £5.25 million allocated for the FA’s new network of girls’ Emerging Talent Centres, aimed at increasing participation among girls aged eight to 16 across 67 centres in England.
• Additionally, the Premier League provides £3 million to support the FA Women’s National League’s growth strategy, which benefits Tiers 3 and 4 of the women’s football pyramid.
1.
Children’s activity booklet
The booklet recognises and celebrates current role models players, coaches, and staff who are vital to the professional game workforce. It provides insight into existing roles within the sport and highlights the growing pathways.
2.
Heads of Community x Heads of Recruitment Workshop
Connections were facilitated between Academy recruitment and Club Community Organisation (CCO) staff to create opportunities for collaboration. Barriers and solutions were explored for both Academies and CCOs to increase South Asian representation across their work. These principles were also applied to other areas, including efforts to develop and diversify women’s and girls’ football. Arsenal FC, Aston Villa FC, and West Ham United FC showcased their leading work in these initiatives.
3.
Emerging Talent Festival
The workshop contributed to an increase in the number of clubs participating in the festival and hosting qualifiers.
In Season 2023/24, 11 Premier League and EFL clubs delivered Emerging Talent Festivals for local children of South Asian heritage, alongside CPD sessions for local grassroots coaches and parent engagement initiatives.
Emerging Talent Festival
A commitment was agreed between professional and grassroots clubs to undertake a range of CPD pertaining to South Asian bias and a form of parent engagement.
Creating
connections between clubs
Professional clubs would partner with grassroots clubs to create pathways and platforms for success with a promise of further education to all involved.
Undertaking CPD and parent engagement
The club Academies have followed the festivals up with targeted coach CPD, offered to 200+ coaches who attended the qualifiers and festival.
4.
Ramadan and football
A booklet was developed to help explain what Ramadan is and what it means to Muslims. Enabling players to freely express and follow their religious beliefs is a fundamental principle to creating a safe and welcoming environment.
The booklet was supplemented with a webinar in collaboration with British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the PFA to discuss the holy month of Ramadan. The webinar included a presentation by Abi Woodcliffe, PDP Nutritionist at Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Professional Player to Coach Scheme
The Professional Player to Coach Scheme (PPCS) is aimed at increasing the number of black, Asian and mixed heritage players who transition into full-time coaching roles in the professional game. This is a joint initiative between the Premier League, the PFA and EFL. A fifth cohort of eight coaches started in August 2024, with the addition of two Premier League Clubs able to access the scheme for the first time. In Season 2023/24, nine coaches graduated with a Higher Education Diploma in professional football coaching from Leeds Beckett University.
Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme
The Premier League Coach Inclusion and Diversity Scheme (CIDS) aims to support the transition of individuals from currently underrepresented groups into full-time coaching roles by providing opportunities for full-time employment. 29 coaches are employed across Premier League and Category 1 clubs, with a further cohort of 10 coaches who started in August 2024. total candidates across PPCS/CIDS (including Season 2024/25 cohort) have obtained full-time employment clubs now involved (including Season 2024/25) 81 27 53
Coach Index
The Coach Index was launched in December 2021 and developed with our partners (The FA, the EFL, LMA and PFA) to support the Football Leadership Diversity Code (FLDC) and the coaching pathways workstream in the Premier League’s No Room For Racism Action Plan. signed up to Coach Index in Season 2023/24 coaches registered on the Coach Index
378 77
Future Academy Leaders
The Future Academy Leaders (FAL) programme aims to support Premier League and EFL clubs with diversity in Academy leadership. It is a diversity-driven leadership development programme for individuals from underrepresented groups who aspire to progress into Academy leadership positions.
The FAL pilot cohort are due to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Academy Management in December 2024. Following the successful pilot, the FAL programme will continue for a second season in Season 2024/25.
“The programme was people-centred and sociable. Whether it was the structured group discussions, chats over meals, or the daily morning run club, the biggest impact for me came from the people around me.
The most valuable aspect I gained from FAL was the connections I made. The diversity within the cohort sparked meaningful conversations and allowed me to meet brilliant individuals whom I may not have encountered otherwise.
The programme brings like-minded people together and provides a platform to build a network — a vital tool for personal and professional growth.”
“I learned a lot about myself and the kind of leader I would like to be. I was able to apply it to my work at such an early stage in my career and will no doubt use my learnings in future roles.”
Chloe McCombie
Core X
Core X was launched in autumn 2023 as a collaborative, targeted programme between PGMOL, The FA and BAM Referee Support (funded through ERDP).
The aim was to provide a developmental programme that offered technical coaching, monthly CPD sessions, access to the League Managers Association (LMA) platform, physical performance resources, broader sports science and psychology resources.
At each camp, Core X officials were given due time to the holistic mechanisms of officiating along with accessing sessions to enhance their technical competencies.
camps were delivered during the season at Loughborough University
officials joined in the first cohort, 18 operating across Step 3-4 in the men’s pyramid and five operating across Tier 3-4 in the women’s pyramid
Chloe McCombie AFC Bournemouth, Academy Operations Coordinator
6. Leading Good Governance
5. and Quality Assurance
We work with our partners across the professional game to raise standards, create opportunities and drive sustainability so that everyone wins. Through a range of projects and conferences, we facilitate networking and knowledge sharing amongst professionals, enhancing collaboration.
Academy investment
The Professional Game Youth Fund (PGYF) is a significant funding initiative designed to support youth development across the English football pyramid. It plays a crucial role in the Premier League’s broader EPPP, which is the strategy for the Academy system.
• The PGYF is primarily funded through a 4% levy on Premier League and EFL player transfers. This mechanism ensures a steady flow of resources dedicated to youth development
• The Premier League and EFL Academies have seen a significant increase in the grant provided
Season 2023/24 saw £300m+ invested in the Academy system, funded through PGYF grants and club investment
Integrated Coaching Strategy
92 licenced Premier League and EFL club Academies receive an annual youth grant to support the delivery of their Academy operations
The Premier League works closely with the EFL to implement changes to the system that ensure decisions around the movement of Academy players consider the needs of the player and the health of the system.
Former Carlisle FC Academy players Dean Henderson and James Trafford both moved for significant transfer fees in Season 2023/24, to Crystal Palace FC and Burnley FC respectively. In addition to the initial training compensation they received, Carlisle also received significant sell-on fee compensation for these transfers protected under the Youth Development Rules.
The Integrated Coaching Strategy (ICS), established in 2017, is a collaborative partnership involving multiple stakeholders, including the Premier League, The FA, the EFL, the LMA, and the PFA. Its primary aim is to deliver a world-leading coach and manager education and development system for both Academy and senior coaches within the professional game.
Season 2023/24 saw progress being made across the following projects:
• Launched a workforce data and insights project with Kitman Labs to collect workforce data from the professional workforce with the aim of informing future decisions.
• Working towards the launch of the Pro Coach App for the professional game. It will provide access to all the relevant information to support the development of the coaching workforce. The app is due for launch during Season 2024/25.
Audit process
PGAAC is the independent standards organisation established to quality-assure club Academies. The PGAAC is a joint venture between the Premier League, The FA and the EFL. There are three tiers to the audit process which are: Safe to operate, Compliance and Standards.
In Season 2023/24, every Premier League and EFL club (93 in total) that operated a licensed Academy has been assessed.
Season 2023/24 was the third season the PGAAC has delivered the full audit assessment process to clubs.
In total, 24 clubs received a full audit assessment, four of which were a change of category assessment; five clubs received a Safe to operate and Compliance Audit; and four clubs received a Discipline-specific audit.
Player care is an area where there has been significant development and growth. Clubs continue to be engaged with and focused on supporting players and families with their mental and emotional wellbeing. To support this process, clubs are ensuring they offer a comprehensive psychology programme that supports the psychological and physical wellbeing of players at all ages.
Club Consultation Group
Following a review of the Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) criteria during Season 2022/23, the Club Consultation Group (CCG) was set up by The FA to consult on specific matters with respect to player development and player access.
Ofsted inspection
At the start of Season 2023/24, the Premier League underwent a full Ofsted inspection of the Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) Apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship is completed by all Academy players aged 16-18, and the inspection of the programme took place at the Premier League offices and at 10 Clubs. Feedback following the inspection was resoundingly positive and our SEP Apprenticeship and wider education provision were evaluated and judged across the following areas:
The purpose of the group is to:
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Devise and monitor metrics to assess the health of the England team and English player development;
Consider and make recommendations to support the development pathways of young players;
Consider and make recommendations for the GBE system.
Premier League Youth Development Conference
The Premier League Youth Development Conference (PLYDC) for Season 2023/24 was held at the King Power Stadium on 22 and 23 May. The event brought together over 500 senior leaders from all Premier League and EFL club Academies, as well as partner organisations across the professional game, to discuss priority areas for youth development, celebrate the successes of the Academy season, and create unique opportunities for connecting with colleagues.
The theme of the conference was The Future Academy: Leading Innovation in Elite Player Development, focusing on how sport, football, and the Academy landscape are evolving, and how clubs can leverage data, research, and technology to inform elite player development and personal growth.
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“Leaders and managers have established a rich and comprehensive personal development and life-skills curriculum that prepares young players for a career in football and beyond. This includes topics such as the use of social media, consent, healthy relationships, financial management and addiction. As a result, apprentices develop extremely well their wider knowledge and skills that will help them in their daily lives.”
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Premier League and EFL clubs represented
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exhibitors
Coaching Summit
The second in-person Coaching Summit for Premier League and Category 1 first team coaches, U21 coaches and staff, took place in London in November 2023, with over 70 delegates from 17 clubs in attendance. The Summit included speakers such as Dean Smith, Frank Lampard, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst as well as an interactive and immersive peer learning experience.
Coach Development Experience
The Coach Development Experience provides coaches with an immersive experience, knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning by focusing on developing matchday craft and navigating challenging conversations. The inaugural Premier League Coach Development Experience took place in May 2024. Over 100 coaches from Premier League and Category 1 club Academies attended the event, held at Aston Villa FC’s Brookvale Academy facility.
NFL x Premier League – Medical Summit
The NFL (National Football League) and the Premier League came together to deliver a Medical Summit that discussed soft tissue injury, concussion management, mental health, head impacts, and medical and performance integration.
Over 100 attendees registered for the event, with attendees from Clubs, the Premier League, NFL and Premier League partners. In October 2023, a group of Premier League Club medical staff participated in a tour of the NFL matchday medical provisions at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The tour provided an opportunity to see key medical facilities and processes, including the offfield medical assessment tent, the athletic trainer’s spotter booth, sideline video review, and the role of independent neurotrauma consultants, along with other important medical features.
Attendees at PLYDC provided their thoughts on leadership and innovation
7. Driving Innovation and Insights
Attendees at the Premier League Youth Development Conference experience taking part in the Rezzil exhibition
7. Driving Innovation and Insights
The Premier League supports clubs and wider stakeholders by providing insights and tools for effective decision-making. Season 2023/24 saw the wholesale implementation of the new Football Intelligence Platform and several other initiatives designed to better leverage data within clubs and drive continuous improvement.
Football Intelligence Platform
During Season 2023/24, the Premier League transitioned from the Performance Management Application (PMA) to the Football Intelligence Platform (Football iP).
The migration and deployment was completed across 94 clubs and is designed to support Academy staff in making better and more informed decisions. By centralising and integrating all data in the areas of performance, medical, coaching and development and operations into one advanced operating system, use of the Football Intelligence Platform addresses issues such as data being siloed, unstructured, insecure, and under-leveraged.
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The platform successfully migrated 500 million data points and onboarded 3,000 staff members in five months, demonstrating our commitment to seamless adoption and support during this transition. A calendar of online and in-person events is being developed for 2025 as part of the continuous commitment to support Clubs in the training, enablement and overall enhancement of system.
Academy Performance Dashboard
The Academy Performance Dashboard (APD) is a management reporting tool created by the Premier League to help clubs define, track and review Academy success measures on an ongoing basis. The APD was presented to Premier League and Category 1 Academy Managers in November 2023 and to EFL Academy Managers in February 2024.
The APD includes productivity data and first team playing data by Academy graduates and Home Grown players. For clubs that have submitted salary benchmarking data for a given season, Finance Directors are able to access this via the APD’s finance site.
Academy financial information submissions were added to the APD for Premier League Clubs during Season 2023/24, with further expansion expected in Season 2024/25.
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Features like detailed tracking of training and games, comprehensive health data integration, and the Development Journey report help clubs create tailored development plans and monitor player progress.
Pro Coach App
An enhanced player app offers real-time access to profiles, development plans, and schedules, promoting engagement from players and their families.
The Football iP project supports the aim of identifying, implementing and enhancing industry-leading technology and expertise to improve data and analytics practice and enhance health, development and performance related decision-making across the professional game.
Professional game utilisation
Season 2023/24 saw PGMOL pilot the Intelligence Platform and provided match officials and performance staff with access to a system that has been designed and configured to help develop and optimise the athletic and cognitive performance of match officials across multiple aspects of their professional journey. This included medical care, sports science and operational support and led to the permanent adoption of the platform following the pilot programme.
PGMOL adoption for 2024/25, along with FA and Women’s game deployment and the planned first team medical pilot, is helping to establish Football iP as an integrated and trusted technology system within the professional game.
The Pro Coach App is a collaborative initiative among ICS partners, aimed at delivering an outbound communication tool to professional coaches, facilitating their learning and development.
Its key features are:
• Housing a central calendar of ICS partner events
• Keeping users in the loop with the latest coaching articles, videos and podcasts
• A tool for users to manage their career development action plan
• A hub where users can learn more about coaching programmes and qualifications
• Communicating content via push notifications
Euro 2024 – Insights
The England Euro 2024 squad progressed to their second consecutive final of the European Championships. The squad featured a variety of development pathways that supported their careers.
£1.14 billion
England’s squad had the highest market value out of any country at EURO 2024
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The England squad ranked second for player quality
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England had the third youngest average age amongst all EURO 2024 squads
Clubs contributed to the development of the 26-man squad from the ages of U9-U18
19 of the 26-man squad spent time in the Academy system following implementation of the EPPP
of the squad began their Academy journey in the U9 age group
At what phase did the squad enter the Academy?
For the first time, there are players in the England squad such as Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton who have gone through all Academy age groups since the EPPP started in Season 2012/13
50% 54% of the squad have been on a loan for their development average U21/U23/ Reserve PDP appearances of the squad have played in the EFL trophy
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Looking ahead to Season 2024/25 1.
Our focus areas for Season 2024/25 include:
Continue to optimise the offer across the development phases, with a particular emphasis on delivering ageappropriate pathways and ensuring players are equipped to successfully transition from Academy to senior football
Provide ongoing support for Academy alumni by offering development opportunities to help them achieve success in life beyond the pitch
Deepen our understanding of the learning and development needs of the football workforce and identify new opportunities to broaden and enhance our support
Deliver exceptional training, education, coaching, and support to all PGMOL Development Group referees, while strengthening referee pathways through initiatives like the Player to Match Official scheme
Continue to provide the best development and support to enhance the skills and expertise of the coaching workforce, and through the ICS, focus on delivering key initiatives that drive innovation and gain deeper insights into the needs of the coaching community
Drive and shape good practice in player health initiatives by advocating for advancements in player safety, enhancing injury and illness monitoring, and shaping global decisions on the management of player’s workloads
Optimise the usage of the Football Intelligence Platform with extensive support, engagement and new features that meet the need of the Academy system and individual clubs
Expand access to the Academy system by providing broader opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds
