YOUTH DEVELOPMENT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

PARENTS/CARERS HANDBOOK PARENTS/CARERS HANDBOOK

2023/24 2023/24
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PLAYER CARE, SAFEGUARDING AND EDUCATION > INDEPENDENT ADVICE (PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION (PFA)) > FEEDBACK > EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT >
FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

(EFL) STAFF CONTACTS
EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (YD)
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
Head of Youth Development
Darren Wassall 07581 062188 EFL Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6. Player Care, Safeguarding
EFL House and Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Youth Development Business
10-12 West Cliff
Important Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
and Operations Manager • What is player care?
Jim Briden 07711 077267 Preston 1. The Academy System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Lancashire • Safeguarding and Player care
Youth Development Co-ordinator • Our Vision
Pauline Hothersall 01772 325814
PR1 8HU • Getting advice and reporting concerns
• Our Mission
01772 325800 • Images/video footage
EFL (YD) REGIONAL MANAGERS • Your Opportunity
North - Graham Mitchell 07436 812345 LEAGUE FOOTBALL • The Performance Pathway
• Social media communications

North West - Dave Robertson 07918 151246 EDUCATION (LFE) • Understanding Academy classification
• Education programme
North East - Adrian Shaw 07736 668056 EFL House • Medical, Concussion and Heading
10-12 West Cliff 2. Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Midlands – Tony Daws 07971 237052 7. Independent Advice (Professional
Preston • Joining the Academy System
Central - Dan Harris 07866 884148 Footballers Association (PFA)). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Lancashire • What is a Scout?
South West – Bob Bloomer 07760 788687
PR1 8HU 8. Feedback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
South & London – John Clayton 07760 616865 • What is an Intermediary?
01772 326870 • Feedback and open communications
East – Darren Bloodworth 07768 322258 • Academy Registration
[email protected] • Club Complaints
South East - Ken Oram 07436 562220
1 lfe.org.uk • Duration of Registration
• Communication
EFL PLAYER ADMINISTRATION • Scholarship offers
DEPARTMENT THE PREMIER LEAGUE (PL) • Complaints procedure
• Registration process
[email protected] Brunel Building • Safeguarding complaints
57 North Wharf Road • Academy Induction
Head of Player Administration • Conclusion and the club complaints
Debbie Birch
London • Approaches and contacts procedure
W2 1HG
Player Admin Manager • Inducements • Role of the EFL
Louise Smith 02078 649000
• Code of Conduct and FA Respect EFL Equality Statement 29
Player Admin Officers 1 premierleague.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programme
Gill Banks 01772 325828 • Reporting Discrimination
Jake Sanders 01772 325952
THE FOOTBALL • Time/Distances regulations
• Kick it Out
ASSOCIATION (FA) • End of Season procedures
EFL PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM Wembley Stadium • Renewing your registration
FA Education and
Welfare Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
(PRS) DEPARTMENT PO Box 1966
• Declining extended registration
[email protected] London SW1P 9EQ League Football Education
08449 808200 • Compensation and Apprenticeships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
EFL COMPETITIONS DEPARTMENT 1 TheFA.com • Requesting release
Competitions Manager
Development Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
• Moving to another Academy
Alex Neary
THE PROFESSIONAL Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
[email protected] 01772 325978 • Leaving the Academy
Fixtures Administrator
FOOTBALLERS’ ASSOCIATION (PFA) • U16 Assessment Trials
20 Oxford Court 3. Academy Performance Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Kersten August 01772 376794 • LFE U18 Assessment Trials
Bishopsgate • Coaching Programme
[email protected]
Manchester
Youth Development Rules of the
• Games Programme EFL for season 2023/24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
EFL SAFEGUARDING DEPARTMENT M2 3WQ
01612 360575
• Festivals, Tours and Tournaments Appendix A
Safeguarding Manager
Alex Richards 1 thepfa.co.uk 4. Player Recognition System (PRS) . . . . . . . . . 17 Code of Conduct for Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
[email protected] 01772 325940 5. Player Development Appendix B
Code of Conduct for Clubs, Academy Players
EFL EQUALITY, DIVERSITY and Progression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
and their Parent(s)/Carer(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
AND INCLUSION DEPARTMENT • Performance Clock
Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion The EFL Youth Development would like to thank the • Performance reviews
David McArdle 07815 691391 following clubs for providing the photographs included in
this handbook: AFC Wimbledon, Burton Albion, Fleetwood
[email protected] 01772 325816
Town, Harrogate Town, Hull City, MK Dons, Newport County
and Northampton Town.

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 WELCOME > IMPORTANT ADVICE > THE ACADEMY SYSTEM > PARTICIPATION > ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN > PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM (PRS) > PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION >
PLAYER CARE, SAFEGUARDING AND EDUCATION > INDEPENDENT ADVICE (PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION (PFA)) > FEEDBACK > EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT >
FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

IMPORTANT ADVICE
WELCOME Participating in the Academy system is an achievement to be proud of and, along with football development,
should enrich childhood experiences and provide opportunities for holistic development. It is important to
remember however that every Academy Player will, at some point, stop playing football in the Professional Club
Joining the Academy system is a wonderful opportunity
environment. This may be in a matter of months, a few years or after a career as a Professional with, for the vast
for any young person, not only to develop as a footballer majority of young players in the Academy system, departure from the Professional Club environment occurring
but also to have a positive experience regardless without playing professionally.
of progression as a player. On behalf of everyone
Regardless of when release occurs, it is important that, from the start of a young person’s time in an Academy,
at the English Football League (EFL), we wish your
every effort is made to ensure that the young person does not feel defined by football progression or
child good luck as they begin their journey. performance and is able to maintain interests outside of football. This can be termed as maintaining a broader
You and your child should expect the quality of coaching, the identity. When release occurs whilst this will, in all likelihood, still be disappointing and represent a challenging
standard of education and the all-round experience to be time, such an approach should help to make the transition process easier. Academic research provides evidence
outstanding. We expect all Academy Players to show commitment to suggest that this advice can also help football performance.
to and respect for their fellow players of all ages, for their coaches The following table contains, what we would consider to be some very important advice to help ensure the
and their Club, and for both the rules and the spirit of the game. young people involved in the Academy system have a positive and beneficial experience.
The EFL operates the Academy system on behalf of its Clubs,
and also works closely with, the Premier League, The Football
Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). IMPORTANT ADVICE HOW MIGHT THIS LOOK?

There are many things you will need to know as a parent or carer of
Ensure the young person a) Ensure the young person is not only referred to as a footballer who plays in
an Academy Player.
does not feel defined by an Academy
This handbook is designed to provide you with an introduction football performance b) Ensure conversation is not always about football performance
to the Academy system and information on how it works. The or be solely identified
rules that apply to Academies are called the Youth Development as a footballer c) Ensure the young person feels valued for who they are beyond football and
Rules and these may provide some more detailed information not solely because they are involved at an Academy
about some of the topics covered in this handbook. The Youth d) Ensure social media accounts/profiles do not extensively promote the
Development Rules can be found from page 35 of this handbook. young person as a footballer through over-professionalisation, promotion
Further to the information in this handbook, the PFA’s Youth via parental account management, images in kit etc
Advisory Service provides advice and information on the Academy e) Encourage and recognise other hobbies, interests and activities which
system and offers an independent ear for young players and help to build a broader identity
their parents. They can be reached by phone on 0161 236 0575
or email at [email protected]. More information Ensure the young a) Ensure academic attainment at school is maintained
on the service and other places to get support including the person’s only career b) Ensure other options form a dual career pathway and are part of “Plan A”
PFA’s Safety Net, can be found in section 7 (on page 25). option is not a footballer and are not a secondary “Plan B”
c) Ensure the young person (and close friends/relatives) are aware that a
very small minority of individuals have a sustained professional career as a
footballer and there are associated challenges along the way

Ensure the young a) Encourage time for and engagement with other interests and hobbies
person maintains b) Encourage time being spent with friends who are not involved in Academy
interest and friends football
outside the Academy
c) Ensure the young person understands that non-football activities can
support football performance

Ensure the young person a) Praising and encouraging doing your best (not necessarily being better
judges success in the than others)
Academy by being the b) Ensuring enjoyment whilst being the best Player they can be
best they can be and
enjoying the experience. c) Recognising there is a substantially greater number of Academy players
Recognise from the start than Professional Players in the EFL and PL and that the journey is more
that being released does important than the destination
not represent failure.

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1 . THE ACADEMY SYSTEM

THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY
We call the development journey of an Academy Player the Performance Pathway.
Players can join and leave at different ages or points and can progress into the professional
game or another career. The Club coaches, backed by a wide range of other specialist services,
support Academy Players through each phase of the Pathway.
OUR VISION YOUR OPPORTUNITY THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY HAS THREE PHASES
WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE Participating in the Academy system is
an achievement to be proud of, however FOUNDATION PHASE Under 9 (U9) to Under 11 (U11)
We want to produce more and better home-
it is important for your child to maintain
grown players and for the experiences in
a balance between the demands of YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE Under 12 (U12) to Under 16 (U16)
the Academy system to be enjoyable and
life outside of football, including their
positive in helping to develop the person as
education. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE Under 17 (U17) to Under 21 (U21)
well as the player.
Support your child to maintain interests
Our vision is to produce outstanding
beyond the football pitch and manage
footballers capable of playing at the highest
expectations of a professional football
UNDERSTANDING ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION
levels of the game while ensuring positive Each Academy is independently audited and categorised from 1 to 4. The EFL works closely
career because only a few Academy
development outcomes and life-enriching with its Clubs in between audits to ensure that standards are maintained and improved where
Players will go on to become professional
experiences for all Academy Players who required. The different categories of Academies reflect the type of programme provided.
footballers. So wherever and whenever
come through the Academy system.
the journey in the Professional Football The environment at an Academy will differ according to the categorisation, but all categories of
We want our players to be technically Academy / Club environment ends, we your Academy will have a track record of producing successful professional players. The Club will be
excellent and tactically astute independent child enjoys it. able to provide you with their categorisation status.
decision-makers on and off the field,
equipped for a successful career as ACADEMY DEFINITION PERFORMANCE
professional footballers. We want to CLASSIFICATION PATHWAY
develop the world’s leading youth coaches,
provide inspirational facilities and world- CATEGORY 1 This is the highest classification awarded to U9 to U21
class support services. an Academy. It is an elite environment where
Academy Players are provided with additional

OUR MISSION access to coaching and the potential of full

time education from U12. Category 1 Academies
WHAT WE DO can recruit nationally from U14 provided the
Academy Player is guaranteed access to a full time
The aim of the Academy system is to help
education programme.
young players maximise their potential in
football, education and life whilst providing
CATEGORY 2 This is an elite development environment where U9 to U21
a life-enriching experience for all.
Academy Players are typically recruited locally but
It puts well-being and personal gain access to additional coaching opportunities
development at the heart of everything and education support.
we do. Our aim is to develop well-rounded
individuals as well as high quality players. CATEGORY 3 This is a development environment where U9 to U21
Clubs provide expert services, support Academy Players are provided with professional
and advice to Academy Players and their coaching and development opportunities.
parents, and every young player should
enjoy and value their Academy experience. CATEGORY 4 Academies focus on their coaching and U17 to U21
educational support for Academy Players in the
Professional Development Phase (U17 to U21) only.

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FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

2. PARTICIPATION CONTACTS
Intermediaries in England are
registered and monitored by the
Financial Regulation team at The FA.

JOINING THE WHAT IS AN INTERMEDIARY? You can contact them here:

ACADEMY SYSTEM An Intermediary (formally known as

an Agent) acts on behalf of a player or
Intermediaries Hotline:
0844 980 8213
The first point of contact with a Club may be a Club and may represent a player or E-mail queries:
through a Scout. a Club in contractual negotiations. [email protected]
Intermediaries may not, either directly Postal address:
WHAT IS A SCOUT? or indirectly, make any approach to, or Financial Regulation, Wembley
A scout represents a Club and is responsible for enter into any agreement with a player Stadium, PO BOX 1966 SW1P 9EQ
identifying talented young players. Scouts must in relation to any Intermediaries Activity
be registered with the Club who is responsible for before the first day of January in the year
ensuring high standards of behaviour. You should of the Player’s sixteenth birthday. From
always confirm a scout’s identity with the Club. this date, Intermediaries may provide
advisory services, but are not allowed to
receive any payment for those services
until a player reaches the age of 18. The
services of an Intermediary are not essential ACADEMY REGISTRATION
for a future in professional football.
Registration is when your child commits to a Club’s
The PFA also provide independent advisory Academy, and the Club commits to your child. All
services and can be contacted for advice and parties must complete a registration form. Your child
guidance for Academy Players of any age. remains attached to the Club for a period of time
Please see section 7 for further details. that depends on their age and joins an age group
determined by the age they will be on 31st August.
GUIDANCE Once registered as an Academy Player your child will no
Players entering into a contract with an longer be able to play grass roots football if he is in the age
Intermediary should consider taking group Under 12 or older. Your Club may provide the option to
independent legal advice or contacting participate in some grassroots football for players in the age
the PFA particularly if they are unsure groups Under 9, Under 10 and Under 11 however this is at the
of any of the terms of the contract. Clubs discretion and your Club will notify you if this option
However, it is advisable to conduct becomes available.
thorough research before you sign The initial duration of the registration will be determined
with an Intermediary. Check the by the time of year when the Club approaches your child to
FA.com/ intermediaries for a list of all register and the age group in which they would be registered.
registered Intermediaries or call the
Intermediaries Hotline listed opposite.
DURATION OF REGISTRATION
Always date any document or the contract
that you sign. Ensure you receive a copy of U9, U10 and U11 Registration period of up to 1 year
the document/ contract on the day you sign.
If a Player is signed up to an Intermediary U12, U14 and U16 Registration period of up to 1 year
on an exclusive basis, he should not enter
into a contract with another Intermediary U13 and U15 Registration period of up to 2 years
at the same time as he may be liable
to pay commission to two (or more) Once the registration is established it will continue thereafter
different Intermediaries if he does so. for successive periods of a year (or 2 years) unless either
the club and/or the player terminate in accordance with the
youth development rules.
The EFL and the Club see registration as a crucial time when
independent advice is important for Academy Players and
their parents (see section 7).

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FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS INDUCTION CODE OF CONDUCT

A Scholarship is a 2-year agreement
Your child’s Academy will tell you about their provisions in
respect of coaching, education and holistic support as well
AND FA RESPECT
between the Club and the
Academy Player which provides a
as what you can expect following registration at an Induction PROGRAMME
meeting. You will find out about your personal coaching and
full-time football development games programmes, and how your education programme
Your child’s registration means both you
and education programme. and school liaison will be managed.
and they accept personal responsibility
This is also sometimes referred Induction is an important chance to get to know key people
for maintaining standards of behaviour
to as an apprenticeship. at the Academy, and for them to get to know you. Make the
set out by your Club, Academy and the
most of the opportunity to ask questions and to note names
An offer of a Scholarship may be officially and contact details of staff. EFL and this was confirmed upon, at
recorded at any time on or after 1st July the point of registration, the signing
between the Under 13 and Under 14 season. of the Code of Conduct for Clubs,
For those Academy Players in the Under 16
APPROACHES AND CONTACTS
Academy Players and Parents. This
age group, it shall be offered on or before You and your child are not permitted to contact any other
Code of Conduct, which also outlines
31st December in your Under 16 season. Premier League or EFL Clubs during the initial 7-day period,
nor throughout the agreed registration period. Likewise, a commitment by the Club, can be
Following receipt of this offer, a response
other Premier League or EFL Clubs, scouts and intermediaries found as Appendix B of the Youth
is required within 28 days, otherwise it is
considered that you / your child have not must not make an approach to you, your child or any person Development Rules on page 82 of this
accepted the offer. Serious consideration connected with you / them. handbook.
should be given to undertaking this At the end of each Season (except for an Academy player in A number of years ago the FA introduced
long- term commitment to a Club. the middle of a two year registration or been offered and the Respect programme to try to ensure
accepted a scholarship or is currently registered on the full that a supportive and positive match day
Information about the PFA Independence
time training model) the Academy system provides Academy experience exists at all levels of youth
Youth Advisory Service available
Players with an opportunity to consider their options, and football. Key to the development of young
to you regarding registration and
a permitted time period to be contacted by, or to contact Players is that they enjoy the experience of
contractual offers can be found
Clubs if they have chosen to leave an Academy, or if they have playing and training and this is supported by
in section 7 (on page 25). been released. However, please be aware that any approach the FA Respect programme (details of which
or contact with or by another Club outside of this time period
can be found on the FA website).
REGISTRATION PROCESS could be deemed a breach of the EFL’s Rules.
Once the registration form is signed, the
TIME/DISTANCE REGULATIONS
EFL will process the registration. If you and INDUCEMENTS
your child choose to cancel the agreement, Between Under 9 and Under 16, Academy
Similarly, no club may attempt to induce players to register
you must contact the EFL within 7 days. Players can generally only be registered
with it (whether by offering money or other benefit in kind to
Your child may be coached by, and play for, with a Club if they live within a limited
you, your child or anyone connected to you). This is called an
the Club during this initial 7-day period as travel time of the Club’s location. From
inducement and you or your child must not accept any such
they are officially registered with the Club. Under 17 to Under 21 there are no travel
inducement that is offered to you.
time restrictions and there is no travel
Any such inducements could be deemed a breach of the EFL limit for the Academy players engaged in
Rules, and for clarity, this covers both the registration with the Full-Time Training Model at Category
a new club, or re- signing with a Club you may already be 1 Academies in the Under 14, Under 15 and
registered with. Under 16 age groups.
Inducements can be wide ranging, from cash payments to
the payment or reimbursement of accommodation or travel Academy U9 to U11 U12 to U16 National National
costs, it is however recognised that some expenses are Classification Recruitment Recruitment
legitimate, but must be recorded by the Academy. Should U14 to U16 U17 to U21
you have any doubts as to whether an inducement is being
offered, you or your child should contact the EFL before Category 1 1 Hour 1 ½ Hours Full time No restriction
proceeding. Remember, should you or your child be found
to have accepted an inducement, there could be serious Category 2 1 Hour 1 ½ Hours Not applicable No restriction
ramifications for your child’s career, including a potential
sanction from the Leagues and/or termination or refusal of Category 3 1 Hour 1 ½ Hours Not applicable No restriction
registration.
Category 4 Not applicable Not applicable Not applicable No restriction

Information about the PFA Independence Advisory Service available to you regarding
registration and contractual offers can be found in section 7.

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FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

END OF SEASON PROCEDURES MOVING TO ANOTHER ACADEMY

Towards the end of each registration If your child is registered with one Academy and
period, the Club will write to you and wishes to move to another Academy, you, your
your child with its plan for registration child and the two relevant Clubs will ordinarily be
for the next season(s). If the Club required to undergo an exit interview to talk through
intends to renew the registration, you the circumstances of the proposed move.
and your child must decide whether you This is a process that is intended to ensure that no
want to accept or refuse their offer. Rules have been breached in relation to the move.
As part of this process, you, your child and the club that you
RENEWING YOUR REGISTRATION wish to move to will also need to sign a declaration that
If you are happy for your child to remain no approach has been made to you prior to the relevant
registered at the Club you do not need to
COMPENSATION
date, nor has any inducement been paid or offered to
take any action. Your Club will notify the Compensation is money paid by your child’s new Club to you, your child or anyone connected with you or your
EFL, and the registration will be retained their previous one to cover training and development child to encourage them / you to move Academy.
for a further period (with the duration costs if an offer of extended registration is declined. If
Following this process, you may be required to provide
determined by your child’s age). compensation is due, and any amounts are not agreed
certain documents and/or other information to the
between clubs, the new Club may be required to calculate
EFL to ensure that all rules have been complied with.
DECLINING EXTENDED compensation based upon an annual fixed fee which
As an example, phone records and bank statements
relates to the age group(s) the player was registered in
REGISTRATION covering the last year may be requested.
and the category of Academy the player was registered
If you and your child choose to decline the with. The current fees are as shown in the table below. You should be aware that this process can potentially take
offer of an extended registration period a matter of weeks and while it is ongoing, you will not
Compensation for Academy Players who have been offered a REQUESTING RELEASE
and seek for them to be released, you be able to train with or play for the new Club’s Academy.
scholarship by their club and for players in the Under 17 age During the registration period your child
must inform both your Club and the EFL We appreciate this can be inconvenient and can be a
group and older may be determined under the Regulations may only be released if all parties are in
in writing by the first Saturday in June. time of uncertainty, but it is extremely important part
of the Professional Football Compensation Committee. agreement (the Club, Academy Player
Following receipt of confirmation from of ensuring the integrity of the Academy system and
the EFL, your child will then be able to Academy Players and their parents are not liable for and parents). You should initially raise the EFL and Premier League Rules. We will endeavour to
seek registration at another Club, subject paying these fees, do not receive any money and will any concern you have, which may have ensure the process is completed as soon as possible.
to the Rules relating to travel distance. have no involvement in these conversations. led to your child’s desire to leave, with the
Academy Manager. Any concerns regarding
If the offer of retention is refused and a
a safeguarding issue should be addressed
LEAVING THE ACADEMY
COMPENSATION FORMULA
new Club wishes to sign your child, they Release of an Academy Player from registration can be
to the Academy Designated Safeguarding
may have to pay compensation to previous a difficult time. Academy Players and parents should
Age Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Officer (DSO).
Club(s) at which your child was registered. remember that involvement in the programme is a
If your child is offered a professional As an alternative, any party may ask The
U9 £5,000 £5,000 £5,000 tremendous achievement in itself.
contract and achieves a number of first Player Related Dispute Commission to
team appearances, previous Club may also provide a binding decision on a termination If your child’s Club does not wish to extend his registration,
U10 £10,000 £8,750 £7,500 request by making a written application it is expected to provide support by, for example, helping
be entitled to claim extra payments.
providing full reasons for the request. identify opportunities to continue your child’s football
Your child’s club may offer a professional U11 £15,000 £12,500 £10,000 participation / development elsewhere. League Football
Detailed rules apply, full details of which can
contract to commence from the age of 17 Education (LFE) also provides support for players released at
be obtained from the PFA.
at any time from 1st November following U12 £45,000 £30,000 £15,000 the end of their Scholarships.
the commencement of the Under 16 year. If the reasons for requesting a binding
decision includes a safeguarding issue, Events are also hosted to provide support for Under 16
U13 £60,000 £40,000 £20,000
you should be aware that all poor practice and Under 18 players who are not offered a Scholarship
safeguarding issues should be addressed or Professional contract. Details of such events, called
U14-16 £80,000 £50,000 £25,000
to the Academy Designated Safeguarding “Development Events”, should be provided by the Club at the
Officer (DSO) as soon as a concern is relevant time. Further information is provided on page 32.
CONTINGENCY FEES identified. Safeguarding concerns will be Further details on opportunities to attend the U16
In addition, should your child subsequently achieve a dealt with separately from requests for Assessment Trials and U18 Assessment Trials can be found on
number of first team appearances, then their previous release from registration. page 33.
Club(s) may be entitled to additional fees known You should be aware that compensation may
as contingency payments from the current Club. be due to the Training Club should your child
The fees are set according to divisional status. wish to register with a new club.
Further information is set out in the More information about feedback and
Youth Development Rules. communication, including the complaints
process, can be found in section 8 (page 26).

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3. ACADEMY Academy Foundation Phase Youth Development Professional Development

PERFORMANCE PLAN
Classification U9 to U11 Phase U12 to U16 Phase U17 to U21

Category 1 4 coaching hours 8 coaching hours per 14 coaching hours per week reducing
per week rising to week rising to 12 hours to 12 hours for Academy Players
8 hours for older for older Academy who have commitments to the
Academy Players. Players. professional squad during the
Professional Development Phase.
Each Academy has a performance
plan which follows the Club’s guiding Category 2 4 rising to 6 7 rising to 12 14 coaching hours per week.
principles, values, playing style and COACHING PROGRAMME
tactical approach. This encompasses The age group your child is in will, to Category 3 4 5 rising to 7 12 coaching hours per week.
a games programme, education an extent, determine the coaching
programmes, sports science and contact time they will receive.
medicine services support as well as The number of coaching sessions available
coaching on the pitch. Your child’s should increase as they progress along the Category 4 Not applicable Not applicable 14 coaching hours per week reducing
Academy has a designated team of Performance Pathway. The Club will advise on to 12 hours for Academy Players
specialist medical and sports science which coaching programmes will be available who have commitments to the
staff to provide a high level of medical to your child; these vary in terms of the number professional squad during the
of hours of coaching received each week and Professional Development Phase
care during training sessions and
when in the day those sessions take place Games Programme.
games. You and your child will be
introduced to these specialist staff at (see Education Programme on page 22).
the induction. Close integration with education and welfare
programmes will be paramount in building
GAMES PROGRAMME
an effective coaching programme. The Club FOUNDATION PHASE: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE:
will continually monitor progression via U9 TO U11 U12 TO U16
regular performance reviews (see page 19).
• Foundation Phase games are played locally, • Youth Development Phase games are usually
N.B. These coaching contact times are usually on Sundays, and may include regular played at weekends and may include regular
a guide and the coach may adjust the festivals that involve 3 or more Clubs. festivals throughout the season.
weekly programme according to specific
needs and the individual programme. The • The focus in this phase is fun and developing • Games are usually arranged on a regional basis,
Coaching hours also include match time. mastery of the ball, 1v1 skills and confidence but Category 1 and 2 Academies may be involved
through a holistic approach with the overarching in national and international competitions.
aim to enhance their love for the game. • Subject to fitness, in the Under 12 to Under 14
• Games take place on age-appropriate age groups participation is in at least 50% of
pitches. Matches are small-sided match playing time reasonably spread out in any
games for each age group. one season.
• Subject to fitness, participation is in • Subject to fitness, in the Under 15 and Under
at least 50% of match playing time 16 age groups players will play at least 20
reasonably spread out in any one season. ‘authorised games’ per season and participate in
• Category 1 and 2 Academies participate at least 50% of the game time.
in a regional indoor season during • The focus in this phase is on building technical
December and February. skills, game understanding and tactical
awareness.
• Academy Players may be introduced to
tournament football from Under 12 to Under 16.

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4. PLAYER RECOGNITION
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FESTIVALS, TOURS AND
PHASE: U17 TO U21 TOURNAMENTS

SYSTEM (PRS)
The Professional Development Phase Your child may have the chance to be
aims to prepare players for professional involved in additional festivals, tours
life in the Club’s first team. and tournaments, both domestically and
Depending on age and Academy abroad, some of which may be residential.
Category, players will join a bespoke U18 These opportunities are designed to
League or a Professional Development enhance playing experiences and help with
technical and personal development.
Every Academy Player is issued with IN RESPECT OF PRS, ONCE REGISTERED,
League. In the league for category 3 a personalised photo ID card as part THE LEAGUE WILL ACCESS THE
and 4 Clubs up to 3 Under 19 Players The Club will provide specific
of their registration. The League FOLLOWING REGISTRATION DATA IN
can also participate for each team. details about these events as they
will send the card to your child once ORDER TO PRODUCE PLAYER ID CARDS:
The vast majority of Under 18 League are scheduled in the calendar.
the registration forms (including • Player name
games take place on Saturdays. an appropriate image) have been
• Player FAS ID
Premier League 2 consists of Category submitted and approved. The card is
1 Academies, each playing a proportion valid for 3 years. • Player image
of matches at the Club’s main stadium. Player registration status
The card is designed to make sure that we •
A Professional Development League
check who is playing, that they are in the The data will be used to produce the ID card
is also provided for the Category 2
correct age group and to record attendance to verify Player eligibility at fixtures. All
Clubs with a proportion of matches
at Academy fixtures. This helps to maintain stored data will be held securely alongside
being played in the main stadium.
a safe environment for Academy Players existing player registration data. If a valid
A development League which and staff. In order to participate in Academy card cannot be produced by the Player or
provides playing opportunities for fixtures and events, your child (or you or Club when requested, it will be reported to
players at some Category 3 and 4 their coach) will need to have their card with the League for further investigation.
Academies is also in operation. them and available for inspection at all such
Academy fixtures and events. Cards could
THE FOUNDATION PHASE (U9 TO U11) GAME FORMATS be inspected before, during or after their
matches by Games Programme Monitors
Age Format Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size who are deployed across the system.
Any lost or damaged cards must be reported
U9 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 30 x 20 to 40 x 30 (4v4 and 5v5) 12 x 6 3 (or 4 at the
to your Club immediately so that a new
or 7v7 50 x 30 to 60 x 40 (7v7) Home Club’s
card can be printed and issued as soon as
preference)
possible by the League.

U10 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 50 x 30 to 60 x 40 12 x 5 (4v4 and 5v5) 4 The EFL will only record and store data
and 7v7 12 x 6 to 16 x 7 (7v7) deemed essential in fulfilling its role as
a governing body and in support of its
U11 7v7 or 9v9 50x30 to 60x40 (7v7) 12 x 6 to 16 x 7 (7v7) 4 functions.
70 x 40 to 80 x 50 (9v9) 16 x 7 (9v9)

THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE (U12 TO U16) GAME FORMATS

Age Format Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size

U12 11v11 90 x 60 (11v11) 21 x 7 (11v11) 4

(or 9v9 if both 70 x 40 to 80 x 50 (9v9) 16 x 7 (9v9)
Clubs so agree)

U13 11v11 90 x 60 21 x 7 4

U14 11v11 90 x 60 to 100 x 60 21 x 7 to 24 x 8 5

U15 11v11 110 x 70 24 x 8 5

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5. PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
AND PROGRESSION
Helping all Academy Players become
independent decisions makers is one of
the core aims of the Academy system.
Athletic development, performance,
lifestyle and psychology programmes
will be delivered to enhance the
knowledge, skills and understanding
needed to become a professional
footballer both on and off the field.

PERFORMANCE CLOCK
You and your child are entitled to regular
feedback on progress and development
at the Club. The Academy will use a the
‘Performance Clock’ to record, measure
and monitor all aspects of progress.
The Performance Clock is a record of each
player’s personal performance data in areas such
as the games programme, the coaching each
player has received, the sport science data that
has been collected (i.e. fitness data) as well as
medical data (such as injuries sustained and PERFORMANCE REVIEW FREQUENCY
rehabilitation undertaken) and possibly education
information. The information that goes into each Foundation Phase Every 12 weeks
Player’s Performance Clock is inputted via the
Performance Management Application (PMA) Youth Development Phase Every 6 weeks
which can also be referred to as the
Football Intelligence Platform. Professional Development Phase (U17 & U18) Every 6 weeks
Much of this information
comes from the Player’s Professional Development Phase (U19 & U21) Frequency to be determined
multidisciplinary Performance by the club
Reviews (see opposite). The
Player’s Performance Clock
PERFORMANCE REVIEWS
is made available to players
and parents by each Club. Every Academy Player’s performance is reviewed regularly. A Performance Review assesses
development against the targets set at previous Performance Reviews. It identifies the need
If your child moves to
for individual coaching, all-round athletic development, educational support, and it sets new
another Club, they take the
performance targets. Each review is recorded on the Performance Clock.
Performance Clock with them.
Performance Reviews are conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts employed by your
child’s Academy which may include the Head Coach, the Head of Education, the Club’s sports
scientist plus any other relevant Academy staff. You and your child will be provided with details
of each Review and your child’s coach will discuss future targets with you and your child on at
least four occasions each season.
Your Academy will hold parents’ evenings at least twice each season to discuss recent
performance reviews in detail.

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6. PLAYER CARE,
IMAGES / VIDEO FOOTAGE –
PARENTS AND PLAYERS

SAFEGUARDING AND
GETTING ADVICE AND UNDER 18 YEARS
REPORTING CONCERNS
Still images and recorded footage are

EDUCATION
Our Safeguarding Team can used in many ways: for Club performance
be contacted by emailing analysis, match-day programmes, as well
[email protected] or by as other publications and literature. Your
calling 01772 325940 to speak child’s Club will have an Images Policy.
to a member of the safeguarding
team for advice, to raise a You should ensure that you understand
WHAT IS PLAYER CARE? SAFEGUARDING concern or to help you get in what the Images Policy for your child’s Club

Each category 1, 2 or 3 Academy has a AND PLAYER CARE touch with your child’s Clubs is. As the parent/ legal guardian of the
Safeguarding team. player you will be asked to sign a consent
Head of Player Care who coordinates The EFL places great importance on
form to ensure that you understand how the
the personal, social, and emotional safeguarding children and adults at risk NSPCC: images may be used.
development of Academy Players. They and we believe that everyone has the right
Adults can contact the NSPCC If parents/carers have any concerns
are also a point of contact for parents/ to enjoy football in a safe an inclusive
helpline by calling 0808 800 regarding the use of images they should
carers or players who would like advice environment. We have safeguarding rules in
5000 or by emailing help@nspcc. contact the DSO.
place that Clubs must follow to promote and
or support on a range of issues. org.uk to get advice or share
protect the safety and welfare of children
their concerns about a child,
Alongside more formal education, Players and young people.
anonymously if they wish. Trained
SOCIAL MEDIA
will have the opportunity to take part in
Clubs safeguard their Academy Players in professionals are available 24 COMMUNICATIONS
other programmes as part of the Clubs
lots of different ways: hours a day, 7 days a week. You should be aware that your child’s Club
Personal Development and Lifeskills Plan.
The Programme aims to improve the holistic • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, CHILDLINE: will have a policy and guidance for players,
development of Players during their time however your child’s Club has in place parents and staff on the use and misuse of
Childline is a free and confidential social media sites, including Facebook and
in the Academy and to prepare them for life a Senior Safeguarding Manager and a
service for children and young Twitter. It is important that you and your
inside and outside of football. Your child’s Designated Safeguarding Officer. The
people up to their 19th birthday. child understand what is acceptable and
Club, often through the Head of Player members of staff fulfilling these roles are
They are available any time, day unacceptable.
Care, will provide an extensive range of at the heart of our Clubs’ development
or night. You can contact them by
programmes including the following topics: of young talent and can provide you with Being registered with a professional Club
phone, by email or through their
support and advice. It is important to means that your child has a responsibility
• Careers & Further Education Advice 1-2-1 counsellor chat service.
know who your child’s Club’s Safeguarding to be a positive role model in all public
• Equality & Diversity Team is and how to contact them. Visit their website for further communications, therefore, inappropriate
Financial Management advice or support www.childline. comments about others, including; players,
• • Getting the right people involved. Your
org.uk parents, staff, officials or the Club will be
• Health & Nutrition child’s Club must make sure that they
only work with suitable people and THINKYOUKNOW: taken seriously, may result in disciplinary
• Media Training action and could result in dismissal.
organisations who also believe in keeping Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk for
• Mental & Emotional Wellbeing children and young people safe. advice on internet safety and safe Parents / carers may have seen in the
• Personal Integrity • Creating a safe environment. Your surfing. You can contact them media that there is a ‘trend’ by some
child’s Club has safeguarding policies, confidentially if something has young people to use social media to share
• Social Media Awareness
procedures and guidelines in place which happened online which has made inappropriate images of themselves or
League Football Education, a partnership you/them feel unsafe, if you are others. It is important to remember that
everyone must follow.
between the EFL and the PFA, play a major worried about somebody else or on occasions the sharing of such images
role in facilitating these programmes within • Empowerment and education. Your
to report online abuse. may be considered a criminal act. Parents
Clubs. We want to help Players achieve child’s Club must make sure that people
should discuss with their children the
excellence at every level of their journey, who work for them know what their It is important to familiarise
risks associated with the misuse of instant
ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive responsibilities are by giving them yourself with your Club’s policy
imaging messaging services such as
culture of continuous learning and that regular training. The Club also has a on the use of social media sites.
Snapchat; WhatsApp; Direct Messenger
we are working in a collaborative way with responsibility to educate and empower This policy will outline what is
(Twitter) and Facebook (Direct Messenger).
Clubs and our Partners. children and young people by helping and what is not acceptable.
them understand their rights and where The EFL are committed to safeguarding.
they can get help or advice if they need it. Any young person found to be sending
inappropriate images of other children
• Working together and taking action. Your
may be reported to the police and FA
child’s Club has a duty to take all concerns
Case Management Team. Although the
seriously and ensure that they are dealt
with swiftly and appropriately.

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majority of images are appropriate and YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE: MEDICAL, CONCUSSION &
are taken in good faith, images of children U12 to U16 HEADING
can be misused and children and young
people may be put at risk as a result. The Youth Development Phase offers three MEDICAL
possible types of programme: The EFL and Premier League require a very
Parents / carers are asked to reinforce,
with young players, the importance 1 PART TIME high level of medical care for players within
of safe use of social media systems to • School attendance is full time and, in the Academies. For example, all Academies
protect your own and other children. main, Academy attendance is in the evenings, must have an Emergency Action Plan
at weekends and during holidays. written by the Academy doctor and must
Parents and players should ensure have staff who have specific First Aid and
to read and understand the • The Academy will keep in regular Primary Care qualifications.
Clubs Social Media Policy. contact with your child’s school.
CONCUSSION
2 HYBRID
EDUCATION PROGRAMME Although Academies have a very high
• Academy Players are released from school to attend levels of medical care provision, parents
Your child’s education is vitally important. the Academy for part of the weekly timetable, and carers also have a very important role,
Their education programme will depending on age and the Club’s programme. especially when a player has sustained, or is
help them achieve a productive and
• Agreement must be reached between the school, suspected of having sustained, a concussive
fulfilling career, both on and off the
parents and Club describing the arrangements injury. On these occasions, players should
field. The Head of Education at your club
and the likely effect on the child’s studies. not be left alone in the first 24 hours and
oversees the programme and will:
the ‘FA graduated return to play protocol’
• Academies must work with schools to track academic
• Liaise with your child’s school must be followed. This can be found at
progress, and they must provide extra help to ensure
to make sure their football (thebootroom.thefa.com/resources/
there is no detrimental effect on academic achievement.
commitments do not damage their coaching/the-fas-concussion-guidelines).
levels of progress at school. • Information regarding educational progression
HEADING
should be recorded on at least a 12-weekly basis.
• Make sure your child follows a formal
English football has introduced heading
education programme that lets them 3 FULL TIME
guidance that is aimed at reducing heading
achieve their academic potential and If Academy Players are offered a full-time place at
• without impacting development of
• Offer advice on all aspects of an Academy, they receive both their football and technique. The guidance has been produced
the education programme. education programmes through the Club. Their using a precautionary approach to protect
academic needs will be met by a local school. player welfare where scientific evidence is
TRAINING MODELS & • The Club will make a detailed assessment of educational currently limited, but is constantly under
PROVISIONS ACROSS THE PHASES needs and work closely with previous and new schools review. Recommendations for heading
to ensure the curriculum meets both government vary depending on a player’s age. Further
The training models used by Academies
requirements and the child’s academic abilities. information can be found at (www.thefa.
and other education related provisions
can vary across the different “phases” • If Academy Players are offered a place on a PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE: com/news/2020/feb/24/updated-heading-
guidance-announcement-240220).
of the Academy Pathway. full-time programme, the Club will also offer U17 to U21
an extended registration that lasts up to the In the first two years of this phase, Academy Players must
FOUNDATION PHASE: end of secondary school education. take an education component as part of their Scholarship.
U9 to U11 A full educational review will take place every 12
• Many Academy Players take the Advanced Apprenticeship in
In the Foundation Phase Academies weeks and a copy will be sent to parents / carers. Sporting Excellence; full details of this will be provided by
operate a part time programme with full • Information regarding educational progression both the Club and League Football Education (LFE).
time school attendance and Academy should be recorded on at least a 12-weekly basis. A full educational review will take place every 12 weeks and
attendance in the evening, at weekends
• A full-time place may involve living away from will be recorded.
and during holidays. Additionally, your
child’s Academy keeps in regular contact home in accommodation arranged by the Although not compulsory, there may be education
with your child’s school to ensure Academy Club for instance at a boarding school, Club opportunities available after turning 18 to continue
attendance is not having a detrimental boarding home or with a host family. education. This may include higher level programmes, such
impact on educational progress. as degree-level study.
The Academy will report to you at least twice Academy Players are expected to complete their education
per year, outlining your child’s progress programme even if they sign a professional contract before
in all areas of football development. the apprenticeship has run its course.
The club may offer your child a professional contract to
commence from the age of 17 at any time from 1st November
following the commencement of the under 16 year.

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7. INDEPENDENT ADVICE
We pride ourselves on the quality of the Academy THE PFA INDEPENDENT YOUTH
system and we are committed to ensuring that ADVISORY SERVICE
Academy Players, Trialists, Parents and Guardians /
Signing for an academy is an exciting
Carers gain the right advice and support.
opportunity for any child and their family,
An important aspect of this is the independent advice but it’s also an introduction to the highly
provided by the The Professional Footballers’ Association competitive, complex nature of football.
(PFA). You are advised to make contact at the earliest The PFA is not affiliated with leagues, clubs
opportunity. or governing bodies, so they can provide
0161 236 0575. [email protected] accurate, free and impartial information about
the academy system and what it entails.
The PFA Independent Youth Advisory Service
can offer Academy Players, Trialists and their
families advice about:
• Premier League & English Football
League Youth Development Rules
• Academy Registrations
• Academy Inductions
• Contractual Offers
• Football Association and FIFA
Regulations
• Scholarship Offers
• End-of-Season Procedures and
Requesting Release
• Compensation, Time and Distance Rules
and Regulations
• Player Development, Including Coaching
and Education Rules
• Player Welfare
• Intermediary / Agent
The Professional Footballers Association
(PFA) is the union for all current and former
footballers and scholars in the Premier
League, the FA Women’s Super League and the
English Football Leagues.
The PFA team provide the information, advice
and support current, former and future players
need to help maximise the opportunities that
come with playing professional football.
As the only football organisation that solely
prioritises players’ needs, the PFA offers
a variety of educational, financial and
wellbeing support services. The union also
protects and enhances players’ rights and
working conditions and helps footballers
navigate personal or professional challenges
throughout their playing careers and beyond.

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8. FEEDBACK SAFEGUARDING COMPLAINTS PFA YOUTH ADVISORY SERVICE

If the complaint relates to the welfare At any stage it may be beneficial to seek
FEEDBACK AND OPEN COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE or safeguarding of a child/adult at independent advice which is available via
COMMUNICATION Each club is required to have its own risk then ensure you send (or at least the PFA Advisory Service (see section 7) or,
complaints procedure for Academy Players copy) the complaint to the Club’s of course, your own specialist legal advice.
Close and regular communication and Parents. If the issue is not resolved Designated Safeguarding Officer.
ROLE OF THE EFL
between Clubs, Academy Players informally, follow the Club’s complaints Clubs are obliged to consider whether
procedure and put your complaint formally The EFL cannot itself resolve complaints
and parents helps to ensure an any safeguarding complaint is required
in writing to the relevant individual at the regarding conduct of Clubs or their staff.
enjoyable and productive experience to also be notified to the FA and EFL. EFL
Club. This individual may be identified in the However, the EFL may be able to assist in
for everyone and minimises the Regulations state that the Club shall notify
complaints procedure. resolving such complaints and you should
risk of misunderstanding. Feedback the League and The Football Association feel free to copy any complaint to the EFL.
helps Clubs to identify areas for of the abuse of, or unsuitable behaviour The EFL may then engage with you and/or
improvement that will enhance the towards a Child or adult at risk, by any the Club in an effort to try and resolve the
learning environment and the playing member of Academy Staff (including issues amicably. Such messages to the EFL
experience. Comments, suggestions current, former or prospective members should be sent either to enquiries@efl .com
and the raising of concerns help Clubs of Academy Staff). The concern may or to the specific contact details on page 2.
to manage risks and encourage better relate to the conduct or the performance
Note: the EFL has its own complaints
of their duties as a member of Academy
performance. procedure which can be found on the
Staff; a non-recent or recent allegation;
EFL website (efl.co.uk) or you can request a
CLUB COMPLAINTS or a third (or subsequent) incident
copy be sent to you by contacting
You or your child should always raise any or allegation of ‘poor practice’.
the EFL [email protected]
concern you or your child may have with the A notification by a Club to the FA 01772 325800).
Club in the first instance. You should follow and EFL is called a referral. Once
This procedure is for complaints regarding
the process outlined below. a referral has been made:
any actions of the EFL, and is not the
COMMUNICATION • the FA’s regulations mean it has the procedure to follow for issues relating to
power to investigate safeguarding Club practice.
Informally raise the issue with someone
concerns and act against any
at the Club, such as your child’s Coach,
participant who breaches its
Designated Safeguarding Officer or
safeguarding policy and/or rules; and
Academy Manager; this may help to reach a
satisfactory resolution quickly. • the EFL’s role is limited to ensuring
Club compliance with our safeguarding
standards and regulations.

CONCLUSION OF THE CLUB COMPLAINTS

PROCEDURE
You should always follow the Club’s
complaints procedure to the end.
At the outcome of the Club complaints
procedure then you may, of course, accept
the outcome (in whatever form as agreed).
If, however, you consider that you have
grounds to terminate the registration with
the Club, you may apply to the Board of
the EFL for cancellation of the registration
in accordance with Youth Rule 290. Any
such application will be referred to an
independent commission (the Player
Related Disciplinary Commission or PRDC).
Taking a case to the PRDC should be looked
at as a last resort because significant costs
can be incurred.

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FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT

The EFL is committed to ensuring race, ethnicity, ability or disability, gender,

our environment is reflective and sexual orientation, gender reassignment,
representative of the communities in faith, religion and marital status.
which our Clubs serve and free from The EFL and member clubs introduced
all forms of discrimination. We are regulatory commitments for all clubs
dedicated to promoting equality on the including academies to implement the
grounds of any protected characteristic Equality Code of Practice. The Equality Code
as defined in the Equality Act 2010. of Practice sets out key areas all EFL clubs
should look to address to ensure they are
Everyone has the right to be treated inclusive across all areas of their business.
with dignity and respect, and the EFL In June 2016 the EFL introduced ground-
is committed to eliminating all forms breaking new regulations aimed at tackling
of discrimination incorporating direct, the under- representation of Black, Asian
indirect, associated, or perceived and Mixed Heritage managers and coaches
discrimination and all forms of bullying, employed by clubs. The EFL also introduced
harassment and victimisation. The ELF Academy Audits and promotes and supports
actively promotes equality, inclusion and work concerning other areas such as women
diversity and an ongoing commitment to and girl’s attendance, LGBTQ+ awareness,
tackling discrimination and hate crime on mental health and other FA, PL and PFA led
grounds of age, cultural background, class, initiatives.

REPORTING DISCRIMINATION
The EFL has a reporting pathway
to deal with any allegations of
hate crime, prejudicial and/or
discriminatory behaviour or conduct
to ensure that all individuals can
raise their issue through the channels
explained in this handbook.
The EFL also works closely with Kick
it Out which provides a reporting
service for discriminatory behaviour
through it’s ‘kick it out app’. The free
app provides users with the ability to
confidentially report incidents they
may see, hear or witness at a match.
By attaching video, photo and audio
evidence to complaints this can
help support investigations into
discriminatory abuse and behaviour
across football (for more information
please visit www.kickitout.org or
download the free app via the Apple or
Android store).

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PLAYER CARE, SAFEGUARDING AND EDUCATION > INDEPENDENT ADVICE (PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION (PFA)) > FEEDBACK > EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT >
FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

FA EDUCATION AND
WELFARE STATEMENT
(for Players and Parents / Carers)
Throughout my career in youth development I have been
a strong advocate of our young players concentrating on
their education both at school and when in our clubs. It is
increasingly important that players can present themselves
well off the pitch as well as perform on it.
So, congratulations in getting registered with an academy –
that is a great achievement. I personally believe that some
of the best players I have worked with have been able to have
the self-discipline to achieve their potential both in their

LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND

football and in the classroom. Whilst not everyone is an A
grade student I feel there is usually a link amongst players
who can apply themselves to give their best, whether it is
working hard to get a B-tec or sitting A levels whilst playing in
APPRENTICESHIPS
the Champions League – if you do your best to achieve either EFL clubs sign young players from 16 criminal law, emotional wellbeing,
of these you are laying the foundations to be successful in your years of age on a two-year scholarship discrimination, faith, finance, mental
career and in your life. agreement, which includes a condition skills, personal development, sexual health
that they must study an education and consent, social media, transferable
Increasingly young professional footballers are continuing programme. On behalf of the EFL and the skills, radicalisation, road safety and
their education after 18 and for those who do not get Professional Footballers’ Association, lifestyle education on key subjects such as
professional contracts, their potential to go to University, League Football Education (LFE) deliver gaming, gambling, alcohol and drugs.
do scholarships abroad or move into the workplace with the Apprenticeship Programme that is
academic qualifications and having worked in an elite Transitional Support is also provided after
undertaken by the vast majority of players. the completion of the apprenticeship,
sporting environment gives you a brilliant start to your adult
life. However great your career is, your working life until The Apprenticeship offers each including tracking and monitoring of all past
retirement age will be longer than your playing days – so get apprentice the chance to fulfil his dream apprentices, assessment trials to help out of
the foundations of a good education in place and ask the club of becoming a professional footballer contract players find other clubs, assistance
what are the different courses available. by providing an opportunity to develop in securing USA Soccer Scholarships or
footballing skills, whilst gaining University places, and European links
Clubs now have access to experienced staff with an expertise relevant academic qualifications which with clubs in Spain and Sweden.
in educational and welfare matters as well as careers advice. today’s employers deem essential.
Get to know these staff and impress them with your effort and LFE prides itself on providing an outstanding
application and they too, will then go the extra mile for you The education programme was designed programme that empowers apprentices to
when you need to call upon them or seek their support. for those participating in elite-level fulfil their potential and be successful in life.
sport and is embraced by a number The excellent work conducted by LFE was
A football academy is a tough but brilliant environment to be of professional and Olympic sports,
in. Good luck with your career and your continued learning. endorsed by Ofsted during an inspection
as well as professional football. in February 2023, when LFE was awarded
John McDermott LFE works closely with Academy staff at ‘Outstanding’ in all areas of inspection.
FA Technical Director EFL clubs to support apprentices in all the Further information on LFE and the
education elements of the programme. This Apprenticeship programme can be
includes the Level 3 Sporting Excellence obtained at www.lfe.org.uk.
Professional (SEP) qualification, the
UEFA C Coaching Certificate delivered LFE can also be contacted by
by the FA and an education course that email at [email protected] or by
will be set at an appropriate level to telephone on 01772 326870.
meet individual needs and abilities. Sarah Stephen
LFE’s responsibilities extend to the Chief Executive
delivery of Life Skills to Under 9 to Under League Football Education (LFE)
23 players, staff, parents and carers.
There is a vast programme that covers

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PLAYER CARE, SAFEGUARDING AND EDUCATION > INDEPENDENT ADVICE (PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS ASSOCIATION (PFA)) > FEEDBACK > EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT >
FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

DEVELOPMENT
EVENTS
As a collaboration between the
EFL and Premier League, events
are organised towards the end of
the season for U16 Players who are,
at that time, without the offer of
a Scholarship. These events are
typically residential and aim to provide
continued sporting, educational,
career and personal support. Expert
speakers covering a variety of
topics are sourced, and a variety of
activities undertaken, to provide
what is hoped will be a very useful
experience to prepare for the future
either within football or elsewhere.

TRIALS
The purpose of a trial is for the player to
experience the Academy environment
and for the club to view the player ahead
of potentially offering him a period
of registration. Usually the player’s
trial period at a Club lasts for up to 8
consecutive weeks, but this can be
extended to a maximum of 12 weeks
upon a clubs application to the League.
UNDER 16 ASSESSMENT TRIALS LFE U18 ASSESSMENT TRIALS
A trial may not be offered to any player
who is on trial at another Academy or who Under 16 Academy players may receive At the end of the two-year apprenticeship,
is currently registered at another club notice that the Club will not be offering if your child is not offered a further period
(unless consent is given). Before a trial them a scholarship registration. In order of registration with your club, they may be
commences the required form YD8 must be to provide an opportunity to obtain able to attend the LFE Assessment Trials.
completed and submitted to the League. a further period of registration at a Managed by League Football Education,
different club, the EFL stages Under 16 in association with The EFL and The
The maximum travel time for trials is 1
assessment trials, usually during the half Professional Footballers’ Association, the
hour for Under 9 to Under 11 players. For
term week in February. The assessment Assessment Trials provide an opportunity
players from Under 12 upwards please
trials are attended by scouts from various for players to be viewed by scouts from
refer to Youth Development Rule 251.
clubs and education establishments professional and non-league clubs. Held on
and performance at these events may a regional basis across three venues each
provide an opportunity to join a new year, the trials also attract representatives
club or be offered a place at a college. from European clubs and higher education
To be eligible to attend the trials your institutions from both the UK and the USA.
child must have been registered at an To be eligible to attend the trials,
Academy during the current season. To players must have completed or be
attend the trials your child is required to be about to complete the Apprenticeship
nominated by the club. After all the trials programme. Upon completion of the
have taken place, if any interest from the trials, LFE will notify players of any
scouts has been registered with the EFL, interest from scouts, within two weeks
you will be notified of each club’s interest. of the final trial date taking place.
For more information on the
Assessment Trials, please visit
www.lfe.org.uk/assessment-trials

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FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT > LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION AND APPRENTICESHIPS > DEVELOPMENT EVENTS > TRIALS > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES OF

THE EFL FOR SEASON 2023/24
GENERAL..................................................................... 36 GAMES PROGRAMME.................................................. 57
Definitions................................................................... 36 General........................................................................ 57
General........................................................................ 41 Foundation Phase Games Programme........................... 57
Applications to Operate Academies............................... 41 Youth Development Phase Games Programme............... 58
STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP AND Professional Development Phase
MANAGEMENT OF THE ACADEMY.............................. 44 Games Programme....................................................... 59
Strategic Documents.................................................... 44 Premier League 2 and
Academy Performance Plan.......................................... 44 Professional Development League................................ 60
Performance Management Application......................... 44 Games Programme: Postponement etc.
Technical Board............................................................ 44 of Matches................................................................... 60
EFFECTIVE MEASUREMENT........................................ 45 DUTY OF CARE............................................................ 61
Monitoring................................................................... 45 Education.................................................................... 61
Productivity Profile....................................................... 45 Reports on Educational Progression.............................. 61
Delivery of the Education Programme........................... 61
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT,
Personal Development and Life Skills Plans.................... 63
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION............. 45
Inductions and Transitions............................................ 63
Performance Clock....................................................... 45
Academy Player and Parent Voice.................................. 64
Individual Learning Plans and
Safeguarding and Mental and
Multi-disciplinary Reviews............................................ 45
Emotional Wellbeing.................................................... 64
STAFF.......................................................................... 46
Health and Safety......................................................... 64
General........................................................................ 46
Inclusion, Diversity and Equality................................... 64
Academy Management Team........................................ 46
Injury and Medical........................................................ 64
Academy Manager........................................................ 46
SPORTS SCIENCE AND PERFORMANCE SUPPORT...... 66
Academy Operations Manager....................................... 47
Sports Science and Medicine/
Academy Secretary....................................................... 47
Performance Support Programme ................................ 66
Head of Academy Coaching........................................... 48
Performance Analysis................................................... 66
Coaches....................................................................... 48
TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT......... 67
Goalkeeping Coaches.................................................... 48
Scouts: Qualifications................................................... 67
Senior Professional Development Coach........................ 49
Scouts: Attendance at Matches..................................... 67
Coaches: Qualifications and Professional
Scouts: Disciplinary Action............................................ 67
Development............................................................... 49
Registrations and Provision of
Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine............... 49
Information by the League........................................... 67
Academy Nutritionist.................................................... 50
Time/Distance Rules..................................................... 68
Lead Sports Scientist.................................................... 50
Trials........................................................................... 68
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach.......................... 50
Pre-Registration Agreements........................................ 69
Senior Academy Physiotherapist................................... 51
Registrations............................................................... 69
Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists......................... 51
End of Season Procedure............................................... 71
Academy Doctor........................................................... 51
Termination of Registration.......................................... 71
Performance Analysts................................................... 51
Scholarships................................................................. 72
Head of Education........................................................ 52
Approaches by and to Clubs and Inducements................ 73
Head of Recruitment.................................................... 52
Interns........................................................................ 52
FACILITIES................................................................. 74
Facilities...................................................................... 74
Player Care................................................................... 53
Academy Psychologist.................................................. 53 FINANCE AND EXPENSES........................................... 77
Minority Candidates..................................................... 53 Finance........................................................................ 77
Expenses..................................................................... 77
COACHING................................................................... 54
Coaching Curriculum.................................................... 54 COMPENSATION......................................................... 78
Coaching Hours............................................................ 54 Compensation.............................................................. 78
Development Centres................................................... 55 APPENDIX A – CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCOUTS........ 81
Pre Academy Training Centres....................................... 56 APPENDIX B – CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUBS,
Junior Training Centres................................................. 56 ACADEMY PLAYERS AND THEIR PARENT(S).............. 82
Senior Training Centres................................................. 56 (Youth Development Rules 212)

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GENERAL 1.18. “Authorised Games” means:

Note: throughout this document binding Rules are shaded in light blue. Guidance and other notes are also included for the assistance of Clubs. (a) international matches arranged by a national association including preparation and trials therefor;
Such guidance and notes do not, however, form part of the Rules. (b) matches in which the Academy Player plays for the Club holding his registration:
(i) in its first teams;
Definitions (ii) which are comprised in a Games Programme; or
Rule 1 sets out definitions used in the Youth Development Rules. All other capitalised terms used in this section of the Rules are defined in (iii) which are comprised in Festivals or Tournaments, participation in which is limited to Academy teams or which are
Regulation 1 of the League Regulations. sanctioned by The Football Association or by a foreign national association;
(c) friendly matches organised by the Club holding the Academy Player’s registration and played at an Academy, participation
1. In this Section of the Rules the following terms shall have the following meanings:
in which is limited to Academy Players registered at an Academy or Trialists but excluding matches between two teams
1.1. “Academy” means an establishment for the coaching and education of Academy Players operated by a Club in accordance with the consisting of one Club’s Academy Players;
requirements of this Section of the Rules and licensed by the Professional game Board of the Football Association (“PGB”) pursuant (d) friendly matches against any opposition played outside the season dates set out in the Games Programme Schedule in which
to Rule 17; the Academy Player plays for the Club holding his registration;

1.2. “Academy Doctor” means the Official referred to in Rule 106; (e) matches organised by the English Schools Football Association or Independent Schools Football Association or an association
affiliated to either of such Associations in which the Academy Player plays with the prior agreement of his Parent(s) (in the
1.3. “Academy Expenses Information” means the following information, in the format to be prescribed by the League, and signed by case of an Academy Player under the age of 18 years), all participation in such matches to be notified by the Academy Player
a Club’s finance director: to the Club holding his registration;

(a) details of all amounts paid (directly or indirectly) over the preceding 12 months to or in respect of each of the Club’s Academy (f) trial matches for other Clubs or Premier League clubs in which the Academy Player plays with the prior written permission of
Players (in the Under 9 to Under 16 age groups) or their families, and each of the Club’s prospective Academy Players or their the Club holding his registration; or
families, in each case whether or not those amounts relate to reimbursement or pre-payment of expenses or otherwise; (g) in respect of the Foundation Phase only, matches played for teams at the grassroots level, outside the Academy system; or
(b) confirmation that all expenses paid in the preceding year have been paid in accordance with the Club’s Academy expenses (h) any other match authorised by the Board;
policy required by Rule 344.
1.19. “Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification” means the qualification of that name issued by or on behalf of The Football Association;
1.4. “Academy Expenses Policy” means the Club’s policy in respect of reimbursement or prepayment of legitimately incurred expenses
to its current and prospective Academy Players (in the Under 9 to Under 16 age groups), which must: 1.20. “Category” means one of the four categories into which each Academy shall be assigned in accordance with the criteria and
(a) comply with any guidance issued by the League; procedures set out in this section of the Rules, and “Category 1”, “Category 2”, “Category 3” and “Category 4” shall be construed
accordingly;
(b) be signed off by the Club’s board; and
(c) be submitted to the League. 1.21. “Chief Executive” means the Official referred to in Regulation 16.15.1(c) (in the case of Championship Clubs) and the equivalent
Official (for League One and Two Clubs);
1.5. “Academy Financial Information” means a budget for the following season, together with a comparison of the budgeted and
actual figures for the previous season, all of which information shall be set out in the format to be prescribed by the League; 1.22. “Club Board” means those Directors of the Club whose particulars are registered under section 162 of the Act;

1.6. “Academy Management Team” has the meaning set out in Rule 57; 1.23. “Coach Competency Framework” means a document which sets out the key competencies and behaviours which the Club expects
its Academy coaches to possess and demonstrate;
1.7. “Academy Manager” means the person responsible for the strategic leadership and operation of a Club’s Academy, whose role and
responsibilities are more particularly defined at Rules 59 to 65; 1.24. “Coaching Curriculum” means a Club’s coaching curriculum which must be set out in writing and include:
(a) the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social skills that the Club wishes its Academy Players to develop;
1.8. “Academy Nutritionist” means the Official referred to in Rule 95;
(b) the appropriate means of coaching Academy Players in order that they develop those skills (having due regard to their
1.9. “Academy Operations Manager” means the Official referred to in Rule 67; age); and
(c) specific coaching curricula for each Development Phase;
1.10. “Academy Performance Plan” means a document which sets out: the goals, strategy and measurable short-term and long-term
performance targets for all aspects of the work of the Club’s Academy, such strategy and performance targets to be consistent 1.25. “Coaching Philosophy” means a written statement which sets out in detail (including by describing the content of individual
with the Club’s Vision Statement, Coaching Philosophy and Playing Philosophy and, where appropriate, details how the Academy coaching sessions for each Academy Player) the means by which the Club will coach its Academy Players in each age group so that
will deliver and integrate its coaching, Education, Games and Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programmes; they have the best opportunity to develop the technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social skills that the Club wishes
players in each position on the pitch to acquire, as set out in the Club’s Playing Philosophy;
1.11. “Academy Player” means a male player (other than an Amateur Player, Non-Contract Player (in the League) or a Trialist) who is in
an age group between Under 9 to Under 21 and who is registered for and who is coached by, or plays football for or at a Club which 1.26. “Continued Professional Development” means ongoing training for Academy Staff, relevant to their discipline, of such quality,
operates an Academy pursuant to these Rules, save for any player who: content and frequency as is necessary to ensure that each member of Academy Staff has the necessary knowledge and expertise
(a) the Board is satisfied has developed technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social skills of such a level that he in order to fulfil their role;
would not benefit from continued coaching in the Academy or participating or continuing to participate in its Games
Programme (which includes, for the purpose of this definition, the league competition referred to in Rules 178 to 185; 1.27. “Core Coaching Time” means between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Mondays to Fridays, save that in the Foundation Phase and Youth
and Development Phase it also includes between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays;

(b) has entered into a Standard Contract with that Club; 1.28. “Development Action Plan” means an individualised plan, developed and implemented in accordance with these Rules, for the
professional development of an Academy coach;
1.12. “Academy Psychologist” means the Official referred to in Rule 117;
1.29. “Development Centre” means an establishment operated by a Club in England or Wales for the coaching of Children which is not
1.13. “Academy Secretary” means the Official referred to in Rule 68; an Academy but provides development opportunities for talented young players who have the potential to become Academy
Players and includes Pre-Academy Training Centres, Junior Training Centres and Senior Training Centres. This includes any such
1.14. “Academy Staff” means those Officials of a Club employed or otherwise engaged to work in the Club’s Academy;
establishment by whatever name or title it is known;
1.15. “Academy Standards Application” means the online system :
1.30. “Development Phase” means the Foundation Phase, the Youth Development Phase or the Professional Development Phase as the
(a) through which Clubs are required to complete the self-assessment referred to in Rule 8, as part of the ISO process for the context requires, and “Development Phases” means all of the former;
auditing of Academies;
(b) through which the ISO provides feedback to Clubs as part of the multi-disciplinary assessment referred to in Rule 10.2;
and
(c) through which quantitative data can be provided to Clubs;

1.16. “Applicant Club” has the meaning set out in Rule 345.

1.17. “Artificial Surface” means a playing surface which in the reasonable opinion of the League meets the requirements of the FIFA
Quality Programme for Football Turf and any new outdoor or indoor Artificial Surface pitch installed by a Club which operates or
applies to operate a Category 1 Academy must achieve the ‘FIFA Quality’ rating under the FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf;

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1.31. “Duty of Care” means the responsibility of each Club to promote, protect and support the individual wellbeing of each Academy 1.48. “Games Programme” means the Foundation Phase Games Programme, the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, or the
Player and member of Academy Staff, within the Academy, in accordance with the following pillars: Professional Development Phase Games Programme;
(a) Education (see Rules 190 to 206);
1.49. “Games Programme Schedule” means the period during which matches in the Games Programmes shall take place;
(b) Personal development and life skills (see Rules 207 to 210);
1.50. “Head of Academy Coaching” means the Official referred to in Rule 70;
(c) Inductions and transitions (see Rules 211 to 215);
(d) Academy Player and Parent(s) voice (see Rules 216 to 217); 1.51. “Head of Education” means the Official referred to in Rule 111;

(e) Safeguarding and mental and emotional wellbeing (see Rules 218 to 221); 1.52. “Head of Recruitment” means the Official referred to in Rule 113;
(f) Health and safety (see Rules 222 and 223);
1.53. “Hybrid Training Model” means a programme of coaching and education whereby the coaching of an Academy Player primarily
(g) Inclusion, diversity and equality (see Rules 224 and 225); and takes place outside the Core Coaching Time save that, subject to the provisions of these Rules, Academy Players in the Youth
Development Phase may be released from attendance at school during the School Day for the maximum equivalent duration of
(h) Injury and medical (see Rules 226 to 233);
two days a week which, for the avoidance of doubt, may occur over more than two days in a week (for example, one full day and
1.32. “Educational Advisor” means, in respect of any Club in membership of the Premier League, experts appointed by the Premier two half days);
League to support the delivery of education to Academy Players, and, in respect of any Club in membership of the League, means
1.54. “Individual Learning Plan” means an individual plan for each Academy Player setting out measurable objectives for the
League Football Education;
development that he needs to undertake and the means by which he will obtain those objectives;
1.33. “Education Programme” has the meaning set out in Rule 190;
1.55. “Induction and Transition Strategy” means the documented plan in place at each Club, agreed by the Technical Board, designed
1.34. “EHOC” means the ‘Elite Heads of Coaching’ programme provided by the Premier League for Heads of Coaching at Category 1, and implemented to support Academy Players in their arrival to and departure from the Club, for whatever reason and whatever
Category 2 and Category 3 Academies and in respect of which additional funding is available from the League in the event of Club age group;
participation;
1.56. “Intermediate Trauma Medical Management in Football” or “ITMMiF” means the qualification of that name issued by or on
1.35. “Elite Academy Managers Development Programme” or “EAM” means the development programme provided by the League for behalf of The Football Association;
Academy Managers;
1.57. “ISO” means Professional Game Academy Audit Company or such other independent standards organisation appointed from time
1.36. “Elite Player Performance Plan” means the document of that name dated May 2011; to time by the PGB for the purposes of undertaking the ISO Audits;

1.37. “Emergency Action Plan” means a plan detailing the medical facilities and personnel who shall be available at each Club’s home 1.58. “ISO Audit” means the process of independent auditing of Clubs’ Academies in accordance with Rule 7 to Rule 15, including a
matches in the Games Programmes and training venues, and the contingency plan for how any medical emergencies at such process of self-assessment by each Club, and a multi-disciplinary assessment by the ISO;
matches and training shall be dealt with;
1.59. “Junior Training Centre” means a Development Centre operated by a Club in accordance with Rules 129 to 141 to provide
1.38. “Emergency First Aid in Football” or “EFAiF” means the qualification of that name issued by or on behalf of the Football Association; opportunities for young players in between their Under 9 Year and their Under 16 year (inclusive), who are not registered Academy
Players but who have the potential to become registered Academy Players;
1.39. “FA Advanced Youth Award” means the advanced qualification for Academy coaches which is awarded by The Football Association;
1.60. “Learning Management System” or “LMS” means the online system provided by the League for the upload and storage of
1.40. “FA Youth Award” means the non-age specific qualification for Academy coaches awarded by The Football Association; educational data and information regarding Academy Players (currently known as the ‘Education Management System’);

1.41. “Festival” means an event, which may be spread over more than one day, at which teams from three or more Clubs (or clubs) play a 1.61. “Multi-disciplinary Review” means a review of all aspects of an Academy Player’s football, athletic and educational performance
series of matches in an environment in which the matches are competitive but the results are not given any particular significance; and development and which shall include:
(a) reports from all relevant Academy Staff (including from the coaching, education and sports science and medicine/
1.42. “Foundation Phase” means the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups inclusive;
performance support disciplines);
1.43. “Foundation Phase Games Programme” means the games programmes organised by the Premier League and the League for (b) for Academy Players on the Full Time Training Model or the Hybrid Training Model, reports and educational data from
teams in each of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups as set out in Rules 150 to 155; the Academy Player’s school (and where the League requests, all Academy Players on the Part Time Training Model);

1.44. “Full Time” means, when applied to a role specified under these Rules, one where the working hours are at least 35 hours per week (c) self-assessment by the Academy Player; and
(subject to such additional hours as the Club may require). A Full Time role may be fulfilled by more than one Official (e.g. on a job- (d) short, medium and long-term targets for the Academy Player’s football, athletic and personal development ;
share basis) provided that the minimum hours stated above are undertaken;
1.62. “Parent Handbook” means the information to be provided by the League to the Parent(s) of each Academy Player upon each
1.45. “Full Time Education” means the education provided for registered pupils at primary or secondary schools or full-time equivalent occasion of his registration for a Club and which will contain:
students at colleges of further education; (a) information about the consequences of the Academy Player becoming registered with a Club; and

1.46. “Full Time Training Model” means: (b) a summary of the Club’s obligations to the Academy Player, and the Academy Player’s obligations to the Club;

(a) in the Professional Development Phase a programme of coaching and education whereby the Academy Player’s academic 1.63. “Part Time” means, when applied to a role specified under these Rules, one where the working hours are less than 35 hours per
education shall be scheduled to enable four hours of coaching per day (which may be split into two sessions of two hours week. A Part Time role may be fulfilled by two or more Officials (e.g. on a job-share basis);
each) to take place within the Core Coaching Time; and
(b) in the Youth Development Phase, a programme which complies with the following: 1.64. “Part Time Training Model” means a Coaching Curriculum whereby the coaching of an Academy Player does not require him to miss
any part of the School Day;
(i) the Academy Player shall receive within the Core Coaching Time a minimum of twenty hours of education;
(ii) the Academy Player shall receive a significant amount of coaching within the Core Coaching Time. The exact 1.65. “Performance Analysis” means the analysis of the physiological, technical and tactical performance of each individual Player and,
amount of such coaching to take place within the Core Coaching Time is to be determined by the Club for each in a game, of the team as a whole. Performance Analysis shall be undertaken by means of such video and/or IT technology as the
individual Academy Player. The Club shall demonstrate the amount of coaching is significantly more than the League shall from time to time determine;
amount of coaching in the Core Coaching Time which the Club gives to its Academy Players engaged on the Hybrid
Training Model. Full details must be set out in the Academy Player’s individual coaching plan referred to in Rule 1.66. “Performance Analysts” means the Officials referred to in Rules 107 and 108;
125;
1.67. “Performance Clock” means the application utilised for recording, measuring, monitoring and evidencing all aspects of an
(iii) no single coaching session shall endure for more than 90 minutes, and if there are two or more coaching sessions Academy Player’s progression and development in accordance with the format and procedures to be set by the League;
on a single day, there shall be a period of rest between each session sufficient to ensure that the Academy Player is
fully rested, and of at least 90 minutes’ duration, unless the Academy Player’s individual coaching plan recognises
that he may have shorter rest periods; and
(iv) the Club’s delivery of the Full Time Training Model must comply with these Rules;

1.47. “Futsal” means the variant of association football that is played in accordance with the Futsal Laws of the Game as published from
time to time by FIFA (with any such variation thereto as the League may from time to time determine), the current such Laws being
available at: FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game Link

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1.68. “Performance Management Application” means the online support service to be developed and maintained by the League and 1.82B “Scout Identification Card” means a formal means of identification to be issued by each Club to each of its registered Scouts which
utilised by each Club for the purposes of assisting the management of the Academy and recording and analysing data. Such data shall include:
shall include (without limitation):
(a) the name of the Club which employs the Scout; and
(a) each Academy Player’s Performance Clock;
(b) a photograph of the Scout.
(b) such information as the League may from time to time require for the purposes of national or Category-wide
benchmarking; and 1.83. “Senior Academy Physiotherapist” means the Official referred to in Rule 102;

(c) data received from The Football Association in respect of an Academy Player who plays for, or who is coached by The 1.84. “Senior Professional Development Coach” means the Official referred to in Rule 78;
Football Association with a view to playing for, an England representative side;
1.85. “Senior Training Centre” means a Development Centre operated by a Club in accordance with Rules 129 to 144 to provide
1.69. “Personal Development and Life Skills Plan” means the individual development plan for each Academy Player delivered by opportunities for young players in between their Under 17 year and Under 23 year (inclusive), who are not registered Academy
his Club on an ongoing basis throughout the period of his registration and which will also include (without limitation) life skills Players but who have the potential to become registered Academy Players or Contract Players;
training or coaching in the following areas:
(a) mental and emotional wellbeing; 1.86. “Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme” means an integrated, interdisciplinary programme for the
provision of sports science, medical services, performance support and analysis as more particularly described in Rules 234 to 239;
(b) health and nutrition;
1.87. “Sports Therapist” means a Person who holds at least an undergraduate degree in sports therapy;
(c) careers and further education advice;
(d) transition support; 1.88. “Staff Registration System” means the online platform maintained by the leagues and updated by the Clubs to ensure an up to
date record of those Academy Staff who are engaged in specific recognised disciplines (as communicated by the League from time
(e) financial management;
to time) exists for the purpose of the Academy audit and league analysis;
(f) use of social media;
1.89. “Technical Board” has the meaning set out in Rules 33 to 35;
(g) dealing with the media;
(h) anti-doping; 1.90. “Tournament” means a grouping of competitive matches between three or more Clubs (or clubs whose results are given
significance (e.g. there may be a winner of the Tournament) and which are typically played together at one venue and over a short
(i) gambling, anti-corruption and sporting integrity; period of time (e.g. one day or a few days);
(j) personal integrity; and
1.91. “Training Camp” means an event for the Academy Players of one Club and which lasts for one or more days and at which a variety
(k) social skills; of coaching and other on-pitch and off-pitch activities takes place;

1.70. “Player Care” means the adoption of a holistic approach to personal and sporting development, supporting Academy Players to 1.92. “Training Club” has the meaning set out in Rule 345;
achieve their potential in and out of football;
1.93. “Training Model” means the Full Time Training Model, the Hybrid Training Model or the Part Time Training Model;
1.71. “Playing Philosophy” means a written statement which sets out:
(a) the principles, values, playing style and tactical approach of all of the Club’s teams (including its first team); and 1.94. “Trialist” means a player playing in age groups Under 9 to Under 21 (inclusive) who is attending an Academy on trial under the
provisions of Rules 252 or 253;
(b) profiles detailing, for each age group and the first team, the Club’s desired technical, tactical, physical, psychological
and social skills of players in each position on the pitch; 1.95. “Vision Statement” means a written statement of the Club’s desired culture, values, ambitions and strategic aims, and the
behaviours and activities which the Club has adopted and will adopt (including within its Academy) in order to achieve the same;
1.72. “Pre-Academy Training Centre” means a Development Centre operated by a Club in accordance with Rules 129 to 141 to identify
young players who have the potential to become registered Academy Players upon the commencement of their Under 9 year; 1.96. “Youth Development Phase” means the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups inclusive; and

1.73. “Premier League 2” means the League of that name managed, organised and controlled by The Premier League; 1.97. “Youth Development Phase Games Programme” means the games programmes organised by the Premier League and League for
teams in each of the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups, full details of which are set out in Rules 156 to 170.
1.74. “Productivity Data” means an analysis, produced by the Premier League using the Productivity Methodology, as to the track
record of Academies in developing Academy Players; 2. For the purposes of this section of these Rules:

1.75. “Productivity Methodology” means the methodology developed by the Premier League for analysing the registration and playing 2.1 Academy Players shall be placed in one of 13 age groups commencing with age group Under 9 and ending with age group
history of Players and, as a consequence thereof, for producing the Productivity Data and each Club’s Productivity Profile; Under 21; and
2.2 the age group into which each Academy Player shall be placed shall be determined by his age on 31 August in the year
1.76. “Productivity Profile” means an analysis, provided by the League using the Productivity Methodology, of each Club’s track record in question, save in the case of players in the Under 21 age group, who must be under the age of 21 as at 1 January in the
in developing Academy Players, that is to say: year in which the Season concerned commences (i.e. for Season 2023/24 born on or after 1 January 2002).
(a) the extent to which Academy Players coached by or at its Academy have progressed to become established professional
Players; and accordingly; and General
(b) the extent to which the Club is successful in contributing to the development of established professional Players;
3. If a Club engages in the training and development of young players then it must:
1.77. “Professional Development Leagues” means the leagues of that name managed, organised and controlled by the Premier League 3.1 obtain a licence to operate an Academy; and
(in the case of Clubs operating Category 1 and Category 2 Academies) or by the League (in the case of Clubs operating Category
3.2 operate its Academy in accordance with this section of the Rules.
3 and Category 4 Academies) and “Professional Development League 1”, “Professional Development League 2” and “Professional
Development League 3” shall be construed accordingly;
4. The maximum term of a licence to operate an Academy shall be three years, unless revoked earlier in accordance with these Rules
or extended by the PGB at its sole discretion.
1.78. “Professional Development Phase” means the Under 17 to Under 21 age groups inclusive;
5. There shall be four Categories of Academy.
1.79. “Professional Development Phase Games Programme” means the games programmes organised by the Premier League and
League for teams in the Professional Development Phase as set out in Rules 171 to 177;
6. The League may publish a list of Clubs operating an Academy, broken down by Category.
1.80. “Qualified Teacher Status” means the accreditation which an individual must obtain in order to teach in state-maintained schools
Applications to Operate Academies
in England and Wales;
7. Each Club which operates or applies to operate an Academy shall give the League and the ISO access to such facilities, personnel,
1.81. “Scholarship Agreement” means an agreement made between a Club and an Academy Player in YD11;
documents and records as they reasonably require in order to undertake their responsibilities under these Rules.
1.82. “School Day” means the times when the pupils of a school are required to attend that school as determined by its governors;
8. In accordance with such timetable as issued by the League from time to time, a Club which wishes to operate (or continue to oper-
ate) an Academy must (a) submit its written application (signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory) to do so to the
1.82A “Scout” means any person employed or engaged by a Club (whether on a Full Time or Part Time basis and whether or not they are
ISO, and (b)submit a self-assessment via the Academy Standards Application to demonstrate adherence with:
remunerated in any way for their services) whose duties include identifying to their Club players whose registration as Academy
Players the Club may wish to secure; 8.1 the ‘safe to operate’ conditions implemented by the ISO from time to time;
8.2 the Rules; and
8.3 the standards issued by the ISO from time to time in respect of the areas set out in Rule 10.2 below (the ‘Standards’).

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9. The PGB, taking into account the advice of the ISO, (which shall be provided following a review by the ISO of the submission referred 20. Any appeal by a Club pursuant to Rule 19 shall be dealt with in accordance with Rule K (Arbitration) of the Rules of The Football
to in Rule 8) shall determine whether each applicant Club adheres to the ISO’s safe to operate’ conditions, the Rules and the Stan- Association.
dards and notify each such Club of its determination by the deadline stipulated by the League.
21. A Club that has had a licence removed may not re-apply for a licence to operate an Academy within three years of the PGB’s deter-
10. The PGB shall determine that a Club either: mination unless:
10.1 does not comply with the ISO’S ‘safe to operate’ conditions, these Rules, the Regulations and the Standards, in which 21.1 the PGB is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which justify a further application; and
case the ISO will issue an action plan to the Club for it to address any breaches of the conditions, Rules or Standards,
21.2 the Club bears any costs of the League, ISO and PGB reasonably incurred by any of those bodies in assessing and deter-
failure to comply with which may (at the PGB’s absolute discretion, but subject to any action taken pursuant to Rules 11,
mining the Club’s further application.
12 and 23) result in the refusal to grant a licence to operate an Academy, the removal of an existing licence to operate an
Academy or the downgrading of the Category status of an Academy; or 22. Any Club or Official making a false statement (whether made verbally or in writing) or falsifying a document in connection with:
10.2 does comply with the ISO’s ‘safe to operate’ conditions, these Rules, the Regulations and the Standards in full, in which 22.1 an application for a licence to operate an Academy;
case the Club shall maintain the Category status of its Academy and the ISO shall conduct a further multi-disciplinary
assessment of the Club’s Academy over a three-year period across the following areas (utilising such assessment criteria 22.2 the League’s annual evaluation undertaken pursuant to Rule 36.2;
as devised by the ISO from time to time); 22.3 an ISO Audit; or
10.2.1 leadership and management; 22.4 any other provision of these Rules,
10.2.2 coaching; shall be in breach of these Rules and shall be liable to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of the League’s
10.2.3 medicine/performance support; Rules.

10.2.4 education and Player Care; 23. If, in breach of Rule 3.2, a Club fails to comply with any Rule in this section, or if a Club or Official makes a false statement or falsifies
a document as set out in Rule 22, then the PGB may:
10.2.5 pathway and productivity; and
23.1 revoke the Club’s licence to operate an Academy;
10.2.6 safeguarding.
23.2 suspend the Club’s licence to operate an Academy for such time as it shall determine during which the Club shall have the
11. Where during or following the completion of the multi-disciplinary assessment referred to at Rule 10 above, the ISO determines opportunity to ensure it becomes compliant with the relevant Rule;
that the Club is failing to or has failed to adequately fulfil any element of the assessment criteria, the ISO will issue an action plan
to the Club for it to address any such failure(s), which must be followed by the Club. 23.3 determine that the Club’s Academy shall have a lower Category than its current Category; or
23.4 withdraw or suspend the Club’s entitlement to any central funding provided for the purposes of youth development; and
12. Should a Club fail to promptly comply with any action plan issued pursuant to Rule 11, the ISO may:
23.5 in any of the above cases require the ISO to undertake an ISO Audit of the Club’s Academy as soon as reasonably practi-
12.1 refer the Club to the League or the Premier League (where applicable) to take action, as a breach of these Rules; or cable.
12.2 refer the Club to the PGB who may take any of the steps set out in Rules 10 and/or 23.
24. Without prejudice to Rules 23, 239A and 239B, any breach of Rules 3.2, 7, 22, 31.2, 41 to 49, 52, 54 to 56, 115, 116, 123 to 127, 129 to
13. Subject to Rule 14, where a Club wishes to apply for its Academy to obtain a higher Category status: 132, 135 to 148, 153, 154, 168 to 170, 177 to 179, 187, 188, 190 to 206, 211, 214, 232 to 245, 259, 261, 262, 265 to 268, 274, 280, 283,
284, 296, 299, 302 to 304, 314 to 317, 335, 338, 343 or 344 shall be liable to be dealt with under the provisions of Section 8 of the
13.1 it must indicate the same in the submission referred to at Rule 8, above; and League’s Regulations.
13.2 the assessment processes referred to in Rules 8 and 10 will take place over the course of one year, rather than three.
Where a Club can demonstrate at the time of submission that it is compliant with all requirements of the higher Category status, 25. Not Used. [The equivalent Premier League Rule mandates Premier League Clubs to operate an Academy to at least Category 3 stan-
the ISO may consider awarding such higher Category status to the Club on a provisional basis whilst the one-year assessment re- dard.]
ferred to in Rule 13.2 is undertaken.
26. Not Used. [The equivalent Premier League Rule prevents a Premier League Club from lowering its category status whilst in the Pre-
14. A Club that has its Academy status downgraded by the PGB may not re-apply for the same or higher Category status from which it mier League or in receipt of parachute payments.]
was downgraded within one year of the PGB’s determination unless:
14.1 the PGB is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which justify an application; and
14.2 the Club bears any costs of the League, ISO and PGB reasonably incurred by any of those bodies in assessing and deter-
mining the Club’s application.

15. Each Club shall be given no less than one weeks’ notice of the dates of any element of an ISO Audit and may not change those dates
save with the permission of the PGB, which shall only be granted if the PGB is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances which
justify such a change.

16. Prior to any element of an ISO Audit being presented to the PGB, the ISO shall:
16.1 give to the Club a copy of it and of the ISO’s recommendation;
16.2 thereafter, if requested by the Club, hold a meeting with Officials of the Club and representatives of the League to dis-
cuss it; and
16.3 consider any representations made by the Club or the League about the Club’s ISO Audit and make all appropriate
amendments to the ISO Audit consequent upon those representations.

17. The PGB, having given due consideration to a Club’s ISO Audit and recommendation and to the advice of the League, shall (where
appropriate) issue all licences to operate Academies and shall determine the Category of each Academy in respect of which it grants
a licence.

18. For the avoidance of doubt, a Club shall only have the right to make representations to the PGB in connection with its application
for a licence to operate an Academy if it believes that the ISO Audit contains manifest error.

19. A Club may only appeal against the decision of the PGB not to issue it a licence to operate an Academy, or against the PGB’s determi-
nation of the Category of its Academy, if that decision was:
19.1 reached as a result of fraud, malice or bad faith;
19.2 reached as a result of procedural errors so great that the rights of the Club have been clearly and substantially preju-
diced;
19.3 reached as a result of a perverse interpretation of the law; or
19.4 one which could not reasonably have been reached by any tribunal which had applied its mind properly to the facts of
the case.

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STRATEGY, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE MEASUREMENT

OF THE ACADEMY Monitoring

Strategic Documents 36. The League shall conduct:

36.1 on-going monitoring of each Academy; and
27. Each Club which operates an Academy shall document and make available to the League and the ISO its Vision Statement, Playing
Philosophy and Coaching Philosophy each of which shall be: 36.2 an annual evaluation of each Academy which shall be made available to the Club, the ISO and, if required, the PGB.
27.1 drawn up by the Technical Board; and
37. A Club shall be entitled to publish the results of its ISO Audit and the Category of its Academy.
27.2 annually reviewed and approved by the Club Board.
Productivity Profile
Academy Performance Plan
38. Each year the League will provide each Club which operates an Academy with an up to date Productivity Profile, benchmarked (on
28. Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare and make available to the League and the ISO, as part of the self-assessment an anonymised basis) against other Clubs (and, if appropriate, Premier League clubs).
process referred to at Rule 8, its Academy Performance Plan.
39. The League may publish Productivity Data.
29. The Academy Performance Plan shall be drawn up under the guidance of the Academy Manager in consultation with such Officials
as the Club may consider appropriate (including, by way of example only, the Manager, the Chief Executive, the Academy Manage-
ment Team and the technical director if the Club has appointed one and the Technical Board) and shall be reviewed annually by the
Academy Manager. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION
30. The Club Board shall:
Performance Clock
30.1 annually review and approve the Academy Performance Plan;
40. Each Club which operates an Academy:
30.2 ensure that the Academy Performance Plan is communicated to all relevant Officials; and
40.1 shall maintain a Performance Clock for each of its Academy Players (updated within seven days of each performance
30.3 measure the performance of the Academy each year against the objectives, strategy and specific performance targets
set out in the Academy Performance Plan and ensure that appropriate action is taken if the performance targets have that falls to be recorded) and ensure that it is made available to:
not been met. 40.1.1 the Academy Player;

Performance Management Application 40.1.2 his Parent (and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing the Club shall provide to the Academy
Player and his Parent a copy of his Performance Clock if he ceases to be registered with the Club);
31. Each Club which operates an Academy shall: 40.1.3 the League; and
31.1 utilise the Performance Management Application from the date of its implementation by the League and record on it 40.1.4 the ISO and
the data listed in Rule 1.68;
40.2 shall nominate a member of staff who shall be responsible for:
31.2 ensure that the data held on the Performance Management Application which is within the Club’s control is held securely
and is only released to, or accessed by, those persons who require access to it pursuant to any of these Rules; and 40.2.1 being the point of contact for the League for the Performance Management Application (“PMA”);
31.3 provide the League with such information as it may from time to time require for the purposes of analysing and bench- 40.2.2 supporting and coordinating the training of Club users in using the PMA platform; and
marking on a national or Category-wide basis any aspect of the performance of Academy Players or Clubs.
40.2.3 supporting an annual review of data quality.
32. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that the Performance Management Application is available for access by the
Individual Learning Plans and Multi-disciplinary Reviews
following individuals:
32.1 relevant Academy Staff; and 41. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that it undertakes a Multi-disciplinary Review in respect of each Academy Player:
32.2 Parent(s) of its Academy Players aged 17 and younger, and the Academy Players themselves, in relation to information 41.1 every 12 weeks (if he is in one of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups);
contained on the Performance Management Application which relates to that Academy Player (but excluding informa-
tion which in the Club’s reasonable opinion ought not to be so disclosed). 41.2 every 6 weeks (if he is in one of the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups); and
41.3 with such frequency as is necessary according to his developmental needs (if he is one of the Under 19 to Under 21 age
Technical Board groups).
33. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Technical Board. 42. Each Multi-disciplinary Review shall assess the performance and development of the Academy Player against his performance tar-
gets set at previous Multi-disciplinary Reviews. At the end of each Multi-disciplinary Review the Club shall update the Academy
34. The membership of the Technical Board shall consist of such Officials as the Club Board deems necessary in order for the Technical
Player’s Individual Learning Plan to take account of conclusions reached at the Multi-disciplinary Review.
Board to properly perform the functions with which it is tasked by these Rules, and accordingly may include:
34.1 the Chief Executive; 43. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that it conducts a meeting with each of its Academy Players:
34.2 the Manager; 43.1 no fewer than four times per Season (if he is in one of the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups); and
34.3 the Academy Manager; 43.2 with such frequency as is necessary according to his development needs (if he is one of the Under 19 to Under 21 age
34.4 any technical, football or sporting director employed by the Club; groups).
34.5 such Officials as can give input from the following functional areas: 44. At the meetings referred to in Rule 43, the Club shall:
34.5.1 recruitment; 44.1 discuss with the Academy Player his Individual Learning Plan; and
34.5.2 coaching; and 44.2 take all appropriate action (for example by way of amending his Individual Learning Plan to set mutually agreed per-
34.5.3 Professional Development Phase coaching; and formance targets and/or such individual coaching, athletic development or educational support as may be necessary).
34.6 any other Official that the Club deems appropriate. 45. Each Multi-disciplinary Review shall be recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock.
35. The Technical Board shall provide technical advice and support in the development of the Club’s Playing Philosophy, Coaching 46. Each Club which operates an Academy shall meet with the Parent(s) of each Academy Player under the age of 18 at least twice a
Philosophy and Coach Competency Framework, and in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Academy Perfor-
year and provide to and discuss with the Parent(s) a detailed review of all aspects of the Academy Player’s performance and devel-
mance Plan.
opment based on his most recent Multi-disciplinary Reviews.

47. A written record of the discussion referred to in Rule 46 shall be given to the Parent(s) and noted on the Academy Player’s Perfor-
mance Clock.

48. Each Club which operates an Academy shall, between 1 May and 30 June in each year, provide to the Parent(s) of each Academy
Player under the age of 18 an annual written report on all aspects of the Academy Player’s performance and development over the
preceding Season.

49. Each Club shall permit a representative of the League to attend and access, via the PMA, Multi-Disciplinary Reviews if so requested
by the League.

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STAFF 62. The responsibilities of the Academy Manager shall include (unless otherwise approved by the Board):
62.1 guiding the development of the Club’s Playing Philosophy, Coaching Philosophy and Coaching Curriculum;
General 62.2 drawing up the Academy Performance Plan as set out in, and subject to the provisions of, Rule 29;
62.3 implementing the Academy Performance Plan;
50. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a staffing structure for its Academy which shall:
62.4 advising the Club Board on:
50.1 subject to Rule 51 include the mandatory posts required by this section of the Rules for the Category applicable to its
Academy; and 62.4.1 whether the Academy has met the performance targets set out in the Academy Performance Plan; and

50.2 have regard to the guidelines and best practice set out in the Elite Player Performance Plan. 62.4.2 the action to be taken by the Club if the Academy has not met those performance targets;
62.5 ensuring the effective use by all appropriate Academy Staff of the Performance Management Application and Performance
51. Save for the Academy Manager and the coaches described in Rules 72 and 73, a Club need not employ those Academy Staff whose Clocks, including ensuring that all relevant data is recorded thereon;
employment is mandatory for the Category of its Academy pursuant to these Rules provided that the Club is able to demonstrate
62.6 the design, implementation and management of the Academy’s Coaching Curriculum;
to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the ISO or the PGB (whichever body is appropriate), that its staffing structure includes
the same expertise and achieves the same results as if all the mandatory posts required by this section of the Rules were filled. 62.7 ensuring that all Academy Staff undertake the Continued Professional Development required of them by this section of
the Rules;
52. Each Club that operates an Academy shall ensure that the Staff Registration System is updated at the start of each Season, and 62.8 being the line manager of the Head of Education, Head of Coaching and Head of Recruitment; and
within seven days of an applicable member of staff changing roles, joining or leaving the Club.
62.9 liaising with the Club’s Manager as appropriate.
53. The Club shall document its staffing structure in an organisational chart which shall: 63. Subject to Rule 64 each Academy Manager must hold:
53.1 show the reporting lines of each member of Academy Staff; and 63.1 an up to date UEFA A Licence;
53.2 be made available to Academy Staff, the League and the ISO. 63.2 an FA Youth Award; and

54. The relationship between a Club and each member of its Academy Staff shall be appropriately documented by way of: 63.3 an FA Advanced Youth Award.

54.1 an employment contract;

64. A Club may appoint as Academy Manager a person who does not hold the qualifications set out in Rule 63 provided that the Head
54.2 a statement of terms of employment pursuant to Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996; or of Academy Coaching:
54.3 in the case of a non-employee, a contract for services. 64.1 holds these qualifications;
64.2 is tasked with overseeing the Coaching Curriculum; and
55. Each member of Academy Staff shall be given:
64.3 is a member of the Academy Management Team and sits on the Technical Board.
55.1 a written job description (which may be contained in the document referred to in Rule 54); and
55.2 an annual performance appraisal. 65. The Academy Manager must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club. In addition, where the
Academy Manager holds a qualification set out in Rule 63, they must attend such training provided by The Football Association as
is necessary to maintain the validity of that qualification and at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the League
56. Each Club which operates an Academy shall:
every year and hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved
56.1 provide Continued Professional Development to members of Academy Staff where required to do so pursuant to these by the Board.
Rules; and
66. Each Club which operates an Academy must ensure that its Academy Manager enrols and participates fully in the Elite Academy
56.2 take all reasonable steps to ensure that each member of Academy Staff who is required by these Rules to undertake Managers Development Programme.
Continued Professional Development does so.

Academy Management Team Academy Operations Manager

57. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Academy Management Team which shall: 67. Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall appoint an Academy Operations Manager, who shall be employed Full Time
and shall have day-to-day responsibility for executive and operational issues within the Academy.
57.1 be led by the Academy Manager; and
57.2 in addition to the Academy Manager consist of such other Officials as the Club Board deems necessary in order for the Academy Secretary
Academy Management Team to properly perform the functions with which it is tasked by these Rules and otherwise, and
68. Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint an Academy Secretary who shall be employed Full Time in the case of a Club
which may accordingly include the Head of Education, the Head of Sports Science and Medicine, the Head of Recruitment,
which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy or at least Part Time (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 3 or
the Head of Academy Coaching, the individual referred to at Rule 115, the Academy’s Designated Safeguarding Officer,
Category 4 Academy.
the Academy Operations Manager and the Academy Secretary.
69. The Academy Secretary shall:
58. The Academy Management Team shall assist the Academy Manager in running the operations of the Academy in accordance with
the Club’s Academy Performance Plan. 69.1 provide administrative support to the Academy Manager and the Academy Management Team;
69.2 act as the point of contact between the Academy and the League for all administrative matters, including the submission
Academy Manager of required information; and
59. Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Full Time Academy Manager. 69.3 be familiar with all relevant provisions of these Youth Development Rules, as amended from time to time.

60. The Academy Manager’s appointment shall be approved by the Club Board.

61. The Academy Manager shall report to the Chief Executive or to such other senior administrative Official of the Club as the Club
Board shall approve.

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Head of Academy Coaching Senior Professional Development Coach

78. Each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall (and a Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy
70. Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Head of Academy Coaching who shall:
may) appoint a Senior Professional Development Coach who shall:
70.1 report to the Academy Manager;
78.1 for Category 1 and Category 2 Academies only, be full time;
70.2 subject to Rule 62.6, have responsibility for delivery of the Academy’s Coaching Curriculum;
78.2 report to the Academy Manager;
70.3 be responsible for designing and delivering the Club’s Continued Professional Development programme, which shall
78.3 liaise with the Manager;
reflect the Club’s Playing Philosophy and Coaching Philosophy and each coach’s Coach Competency Framework for all
the Club’s Academy coaches; 78.4 hold a UEFA A Licence and the FA Advanced Youth Award with the age specific specialist element relevant to the
Professional Development Phase;
70.4 discharge the responsibilities with regard to Development Action Plans set out at Rules 85 to 87;
78.5 oversee on a day-to-day basis the Coaching Curriculum for the Under 19 to Under 21 age groups;
70.5 hold at least an up to date UEFA A Licence, an FA Youth Award, and an FA Advanced Youth Award;
78.6 manage the transition of Academy Players to the Club’s senior squad in accordance with the Club’s procedure for the
70.6 hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by
same described in Rule 80;
the Board;
78.7 contribute to the Multi-disciplinary Reviews of all Academy Players in the Professional Development Phase; and
70.7 have recent and relevant experience of coaching Academy Players in an Academy (or of a comparable environment);
78.8 manage the Club’s team which competes in the Professional Development League.
70.8 be employed Full Time in the case of a Head of Academy Coaching employed in a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3
Academy and at least Part Time in the case of a Category 4 Academy;
79. Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy that does not appoint a Senior Professional Development Coach in
70.9 attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by the League each year; accordance with Rule 78 shall assign a member of the coaching staff responsible for the coaching of the Club’s professional players
to act as a liaison coach who shall:
70.10 attend such training to be provided by The Football Association as is necessary to maintain the validity of the
qualifications set out in Rule 70.5; and 79.1 liaise with the Academy Manager;
70.11 in conjunction with each of the Club’s coaches, plan, deliver and monitor the delivery of individual development plans 79.2 liaise with the Manager; and
for each such coach.
79.3 manage the transition of Academy Players to the Club’s senior squad in accordance with the Club’s procedure for the
same described in Rule 80.
71. In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 70.9, the Head of Academy Coaching must:
71.1 undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club; 80. Each Club which operates an Academy shall develop, implement and provide evidence of a procedure to enable the transition of
Academy Players to its senior squad.
71.2 enrol and participate in the Elite Heads of Coaching Scheme operated by the Premier League; and
71.3 complete the European Mentoring and Coaching Council Foundation Award within two years of the commencement of Coaches: Qualifications and Professional Development
their employment.
81. Each coach (excluding goalkeeping coaches to whom Rule 76 applies) must from the commencement of and throughout their
Coaches employment hold:
81.1 an up to date UEFA B Licence (save where these Rules require a coach to hold an up to date UEFA A Licence);
72. Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ as a minimum the number of Full Time coaches for each Development Phase in
accordance with the Category of its Academy as set out in the following table: 81.2 an FA Youth Award; and
81.3 an up to date FA Advanced Youth Award with the age-specific specialist element relevant to the Development Phase
Foundation Phase Youth Development Phase Professional Development Phase which they coach.
Category 1 2 3 3
82. Each coach (including goalkeeping coaches) must attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by The Football
Category 2 1 2 2 Association or League each year and hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher
qualification approved by the Board.
Category 3 1 1 2
Category 4 N/A N/A 2 83. In addition to the in-service training referred to in Rule 82, each coach must undertake Continued Professional Development
organised by the Club.

73. In addition to the coaches set out in Rule 72 each Club shall employ sufficient additional coaching staff (Full Time or Part Time) to 84. Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare a Coach Competency Framework, which must be approved by its Technical
ensure that the coach to Academy Players ratios set out in Rule 126 are maintained. Board.

74. Each Club shall appoint one Full Time coach in each Development Phase who shall be the lead coach for that phase and be 85. Each Club shall ensure that the Head of Academy Coaching provides to each of its Academy coaches (including goalkeeping coaches
responsible for managing the delivery of coaching within it, and who shall: and the Senior Professional Development Coach) a Development Action Plan, that is to say the Head of Academy Coaching shall
74.1 in respect of the Youth Development and Professional Development Phase, hold at least an up-to-date UEFA A Licence; undertake an assessment of the competencies of each Academy coach and discuss this with the coach, and agree with the coach the
and competencies and behaviours which they need to develop, and the activities which they will undertake in order to develop them,
and the timeframe within which they will undertake them, and record the same in writing and give a copy to the coach.
74.2 in respect of the Foundation Phase, hold at least an up-to-date UEFA B Licence and the relevant age specific FA Advanced
Youth Award. 86. The Club must record evidence that the actions referred to in the Development Action Plan have been undertaken, and review
those actions within an appropriate period with the coach, and amend the Development Action Plan if necessary.
Goalkeeping Coaches
87. The Club shall ensure that the Head of Academy Coaching reviews, and if necessary amends, each coach’s Development Action Plan
75. Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ, either on a Full Time or Part Time basis, such goalkeeping coaches as are with such frequency as is necessary.
necessary to ensure that each Academy Player who is a goalkeeper receives the required hours of coaching set out in Rule 123,
subject to the following minimum requirements: Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine
75.1 a Club operating a Category 1 Academy shall employ at least two Full Time goalkeeping coaches; and
88. Each Club which operates a Category 1 and Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full Time Head of Academy Sports Science and
75.2 a Club operating a Category 2 Academy shall employ at least one Full Time goalkeeping coach. Medicine who shall report to either the Academy Manager or the Official who is responsible for Sports Science and Medicine/
Performance Support for the entire Club (and whichever they report to, they shall liaise closely with the other).
76. Each goalkeeping coach must:
89. Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the
76.1 attend at least five hours of in-service training to be provided by The Football Association each year;
ISO or PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that its Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme for Academy
76.2 attend the first aid training for Academy coaches provided by The Football Association at least once every three years; Players is appropriately managed and delivered.
and
90. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine shall be responsible for managing and delivering the Sports Science and
76.3 undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.
Medicine/Performance Support Programme for all Academy Players registered with the Club.
77. Each goalkeeping coach must hold an up to date UEFA B Licence and a UEFA Goalkeeping Coaching B Licence.

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91. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine: 101. In addition to the Lead Sports Scientist and the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, each Club which operates a Category 1
Academy shall employ a minimum of one additional Full-Time sports scientist or strength and conditioning coach who shall:
91.1 shall be either:
101.1 hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university;
91.1.1 a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care Professions Council;
101.2 hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by
91.1.2 a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General Medical Council (and shall comply with
the Board; and
the General Medical Council’s requirements concerning annual appraisal, scope of practice, indemnity and
revalidation of doctors) with a diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine or equivalent or higher qualification; 101.3 hold or be working towards holding British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accreditation.
or
Senior Academy Physiotherapist
91.1.3 the holder of at least a master’s degree in sports science (or other relevant discipline) from a recognised
university and have or be working towards British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences and/or British 102. Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Senior Academy Physiotherapist who shall:
Psychological Society accreditation; and
102.1 be employed on a Full Time basis;
91.2 shall have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment.
102.2 be a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care Professions Council (save that a Club which operates a
92. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine shall hold either: Category 3 or 4 Academy may continue to employ as its Senior Academy Physiotherapist any Person so employed at the
time of these Rules coming into force who does not hold the qualifications specified in this Rule provided that they have
92.1 if they are a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care Professions Council or a registered medical
successfully completed the Football Association’s Diploma in the Treatment and Management of Injuries course or an
practitioner, Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (‘ATMMiF’) or an equivalent or higher qualification
equivalent or higher qualification. Any Person appointed thereafter must hold the qualifications specified by this Rule);
approved by the League; or
102.3 have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment;
92.2 if they are neither of the above, a current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the League.
102.4 if employed by a Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy hold a current ATMMiF or if employed by a Club
93. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine is not a registered physiotherapist member of which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy hold a current ITMMiF (or in either case an equivalent or higher
the Health and Care Professions Council or a registered medical practitioner (as set out in Rule 92.1 and 92.2 respectively) then the qualification approved by the Board);
primacy of decisions regarding the clinical treatment of Academy Players shall rest with a physiotherapist or registered medical
102.5 co-ordinate and lead the physiotherapy service within the Academy;
practitioner.
102.6 ensure that Rules 232.1 and 233 are complied with; and
94. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club or
102.7 undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.
the League.
Physiotherapists and Sports Therapists
Academy Nutritionist
103. In addition to the Senior Academy Physiotherapist referred to at Rule 102, each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall
95. Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall appoint or designate an existing member of Academy Staff to the role of
employ at least two Full Time physiotherapists who shall each be a registered physiotherapist member of the Health and Care
Academy Nutritionist who:
Professions Council and (where their duties include clinical leadership at matches) hold a current ATMMiF. Each Club which operates
95.1 shall be Part Time; a Category 2 Academy shall employ at least one such Full Time physiotherapist who meets these requirements.
95.2 shall be responsible for devising and implementing plans to promote nutrition and a healthy diet amongst Academy
104. Any Sports Therapist employed by a Club must be subject to the management and supervision of a registered physiotherapist
Players;
member of the Health and Care Professions Council.
95.3 shall provide advice to Academy Players and Staff on all aspects of nutrition; and
105. Each physiotherapist and Sports Therapist must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club and shall
95.4 shall be on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (“SENr”) or work under the direct management and supervision of
hold a current ITMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board.
an individual listed on the SENr.
Academy Doctor
Lead Sports Scientist
106. Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint an Academy Doctor who shall:
96. Each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full Time Lead Sports Scientist who shall:
106.1 be a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General Medical Council (and shall comply with the
96.1 hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university;
General Medical Council’s requirements concerning annual appraisal, scope of practice, indemnity and revalidation of
96.2 have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment; doctors);
96.3 co-ordinate and lead the sports science services for the Academy; 106.2 [not used];
96.4 hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by 106.3 be available to assess and, if appropriate, undertake the treatment of any playing injuries suffered by an Academy Player;
the League; and
106.4 undertake Continued Professional Development;
96.5 hold or be working towards holding British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accreditation.
106.5 be available for consultation at the Academy on at least one occasion per week (in addition to any attendance at
matches); and
97. Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the League, the
ISO or the PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that it delivers sufficient and appropriate sports science services to its Academy 106.6 be responsible for the preparation of each Club’s Emergency Action Plan.
Players.
Performance Analysts
98. The Lead Sports Scientist must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.
107. Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ a minimum of three Full Time Performance Analysts.
Lead Strength and Conditioning Coaches
108. Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall employ a minimum of two Performance Analysts, one on a Full Time basis,
99. Each Club which operates a Category 1 or 2 Academy shall employ a Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach who shall: and the other at least Part Time.
99.1 in the case of a Category 1 Academy, be employed Full Time, and in the case of a Category 2 Academy, be employed at
109. The Performance Analysts shall undertake Performance Analysis of Academy Players registered with the Club.
least Part Time;
99.2 be responsible for providing to the Club’s Academy Players appropriate strength and conditioning training and 110. The Performance Analysts must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.
monitoring as part of the Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme;
99.3 hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a recognised university and have
or be working towards British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences accreditation;
99.4 hold a current Basic First Aid for Sport Qualification, current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by
the Board; and
99.5 hold or be working towards accreditation by the UK Strength and Conditioning Association (or equivalent workshops run
by any equivalent body).

100. The Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach must undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

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Head of Education Player Care

111. Each Club which operates an Academy shall appoint a Head of Education who shall: 115. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy shall employ an individual with the necessary skills and
expertise on a Full Time basis who shall be responsible for the management and delivery of the Personal Development and Life
111.1 report to the Academy Manager;
Skills Plan for Academy Players and the Induction and Transition Strategy, in addition to the other aspects of the Club’s Duty of Care,
111.2 have responsibility for: including mental and emotional wellbeing of Academy Players.
111.2.1 the organisation, management and delivery of the Club’s Education Programme as set out in Rules 190 to
116. Each Club which operates a Category 4 Academy shall nominate an existing member of Academy Staff to carry out the responsibil-
206;
ities referred to in Rule 115, above in addition to their other duties.
111.2.2 pursuant to Rule 191.5, the oversight of the Scholar education programmes including attendance at
educational programme meetings, ensuring adherence to such programmes and, where required, taking Academy Psychologist
appropriate action in the event that targets are not met;
117. Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall employ one or more Academy Psychologist(s), who shall:
111.2.3 ensuring that Scholars are appropriately managed and supported in respect of the ‘End Point Assessment’ on
the sporting excellence professional apprenticeship (‘SEP’); 117.1 be Full Time (however more than one Person may be employed for this purpose to ensure that overall working hours are
commensurate with one Full Time employee) for each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy; and
111.2.4 the educational progression of all Academy Players registered with the Club (subject to the duties of any
educational establishment at which an Academy Player’s education is taking place); 117.2 be on the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) Register of Health and Care Professionals or on one of the approved
training routes/pathways towards HCPC registration.
111.2.5 ensuring that the education of an Academy Player engaged on the Hybrid or Full Time Training Model is not
prejudiced as a result of his being so engaged; and Minority Candidates
111.2.6 ensuring all documents and records relating to the education of Academy Players required by these Rules are
117A Each Club which operates an Academy shall comply with the provisions of Regulation 125 of the League Regulation (Minority Can-
in place and up-to-date;
didates).
111.3 undertake benchmarking of the educational progression of each year group of Academy Players engaged on the Hybrid
and Full Time Training Models against national data, and make the result of that benchmarking available to the League;
111.4 ensure that the Academy’s educational provision reflects the strategy and performance targets set out in the Club’s
Academy Performance Plan;
111.5 hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) and have relevant experience (in the
case of Category 1 and 2 Academies) or, as a minimum, possess a teaching qualification or further education teaching
qualification (in the case of Category 3 and Category 4 Academies);
111.6 be Full Time (in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies); and
111.7 undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club.

112. Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall, in addition to the Head of Education, employ one Person Full Time to support
the delivery of the Academy’s education programme.

Head of Recruitment

113. Each Club which operates an Academy shall employ a Head of Recruitment who shall:
113.1 report to the Academy Manager;
113.2 have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of the Club’s policies and procedures for the recruit-
ment of Academy Players;
113.3 have responsibility for the recruitment and training of the Club’s Scouts (including taking all reasonable steps to ensure
that they comply with the requirements regarding qualifications, registration and Continued Professional Development
set out at Rule 241);
113.4 be in possession of (or be actively working towards):
113.4.1 the FA Leadership of Talent Identification & Development in Football for a Club operating a Category 1 Acad-
emy;
113.4.2 the FA Advanced Principles of Talent Identification & Development in Football for a Club operating a Category
2 Academy; and
113.4.3 the FA National Talent Identification & Scouting in Football for a Club operating a Category 3 or a Category 4
Academy,
113.5 undertake at least five hours of in-service training each year;
113.6 undertake Continued Professional Development organised by the Club; and
113.7 be Full Time in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies, and at least Part Time in the case of Category 3 and 4
Academies.

Interns

114. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine must ensure that the Club records and, if requested, makes available to the
League, the following details of every intern working within the Academy:
114.1 name, date of birth and contact details (phone number, address and email address);
114.2 qualifications (both academic and sporting such as coaching qualifications);
114.3 where the intern is a student, details of the intern’s current course, including the institution at which they are enrolled,
the name of the course, and the name and contact details of his tutor; and
114.4 the contact details of a member of Academy Staff who is responsible for supervising the intern whilst they are at the
Academy.

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COACHING 127. Each Club shall ensure that each Academy Player in age groups Under 9 and older participates at least once a year in a Festival (or
other coaching event such as a Training Camp or a Tournament).
Coaching Curriculum 128. Each Club shall ensure that each of its coaches plans each coaching session by setting out the learning objectives which the session
is designed to achieve and the coaching which will be given in order to achieve them.
118. Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare (and make available to the League and to the ISO on request) a Coaching Cur-
riculum which shall have regard to: Development Centres
118.1 the Club’s Vision Statement, Coaching Philosophy and Playing Philosophy;
129. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may, with the consent of the League and
118.2 the Club’s Academy Performance Plan; subject to Rules 142 to 144, operate one or more Development Centres, to be located within:
118.3 the minimum hours of coaching delivered; and 129.1 one hour’s travelling time of the location of its principal venue for the provision of coaching and education to Academy
118.4 these Rules. Players, where the Development Centre will be attended by players in the Foundation Phase age groups or lower; and
129.2 90 minutes travelling time of the location of its principal venue for the provision of coaching and education to Academy
119. The Club’s Coaching Curriculum shall be drawn up by the Academy Manager (or, in the circumstances set out in Rule 64, the Head Players, where the Development Centre will be attended by players in the Youth Development Phase age group (and not
of Academy Coaching) who shall consult with all appropriate Club Officials (which may include the Manager, the Chief Executive, by players in the Foundation Phase age groups or lower).
coaching staff, the Academy Management Team and the Technical Director if the Club has appointed one).
130. A Club may only permit a Child to attend its Development Centre where they reside within the following travel times from the Club’s
120. The Club’s Technical Board shall approve the Club’s Coaching Curriculum. principal venue for the provision of coaching and education:
Coaching Hours 130.1 for Children in the Under 11 age group or below, one hour; and

121. The coaching of age groups Under 15 and older in Category 1 and Category 2 Academies shall take place over 46 weeks of each year, 130.2 for Children in the Under 12 to Under 16 age groups inclusive, 1.5 hours.
such weeks to be determined by reference to the Games Programme Schedule (including the two periods set out therein during
which no matches in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase Games Programmes shall take place). 131. A Child being coached at a Club’s Development Centre:
131.1 may not be registered for that Club;
122. All other coaching in Academies shall take place over 40 weeks of each year.
131.2 may not play in matches for that Club and/or participate in training with that Club’s Academy unless registered as a
123. Save as otherwise permitted by the PGB, the minimum hours of coaching to be delivered by Academies each week to each Academy Trialist; and
Player (subject to his fitness, welfare and academic status) and the permitted Training Model per Category and per Development
131.3 will be free to play for other teams.
Phase are as follows:
132. Clubs which operate Development Centres shall keep an attendance record, proof of home address and date of birth of all Players
Foundation Phase Youth Development Professional Development Phase who participate in coaching sessions thereat, which it shall provide to the League and/or the Football Association on request.
Phase
Category 1 Coaching hours 4 rising to 8 for older 8 rising to 12 for older 14 reducing to 12 for Academy Players who 133. Each Development Centre operated by a Club may be inspected from time to time by the League and by the ISO.
per week Academy Players Academy Players have commitments to the professional
134. Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 133, the inspection referred to in that Rule may include:
squad during the Professional Development
Phase 134.1 inspection of the facilities provided; and
Permitted Part Time Part Time, Hybrid, Full Full Time, Hybrid 134.2 assessment of whether the coaching provided at the Development Centre is in accordance with the Club’s coaching syl-
Training Model Time labus.

Category Coaching hours 4 rising to 6 for older 7 rising to 12 for older 14 reducing to 12 for Academy Players who 135. No Club shall cause or permit a Child whose registration is held by another Club (or club) or with whom another Club (or club) has
2 per week Academy Players Academy Players have commitments to the professional entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current to attend its Development Centre.
squad during the Professional Development
Phase 136. Subject to Rules 142 to 144, below, no Club shall cause or permit a team representing its Development Centre to play football
against a team representing another Club (or a Premier League club).
Permitted Part Time Part Time, Hybrid Full Time
Training Model
137. Prior to a Child attending a Development Centre for the first time, the Club operating that Development Centre must:
Category Coaching hours 4 5 rising to 7 for older 12 137.1 provide details to the Child’s Parent(s) of the status and purpose of the Development Centre, the fact that attendance
3 per week Academy Players by the Child at the Development Centre does not preclude the Child from playing for or training with any other Develop-
(See Guidance below) ment Centre or (subject to Rule 131) any other Club or team and confirmation that his attendance confers no rights on
Permitted Part Time Part Time Full Time the Club in relation to his registration, and obtain a signed notification from the Parent(s) that they have received and
Training Model accept such details; and

Category Coaching hours N/A N/A 14 reducing to 12 for Academy Players who 137.2 provide to the Child’s Parent(s) a copy of any guidance on Development Centres produced by the League.
4 per week have commitments to the professional
138. No Club shall induce or attempt to induce a Child to attend its Development Centre by offering him, or any Person connected with
squad during the Professional Development
him, whether directly or indirectly, a benefit or payment of any description whether in cash or in kind.
Phase Games Programmes
Permitted N/A N/A Full Time 139. No Club is permitted to make payment of any kind to a Child attending a Development Centre or his Parent(s) (whether directly or
Training Model indirectly).

124. The maximum time in which Academy Players in the Foundation Phase can be engaged in a single coaching session is 120 minutes
and there will be appropriate rest periods between each such session.

125. Each Club shall ensure that:

125.1 each Academy Player has access to an individual coaching plan tailored to his specific needs;
125.2 each Academy Player is made aware of his individual coaching plan (and any changes thereto) as soon as reasonably
practicable in advance of his being coached in accordance with it; and
125.3 all coaching is recorded on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock.

126. Each Club shall ensure that a coach to Academy Players and Trialists ratio of 1:10 is maintained for all coaching sessions (save that
the ratio for Category 1 Academies using the Full Time Training Model shall be 1:8).

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140. Whereas team travel arrangements will be permitted, no Club is permitted to provide or otherwise arrange for individual transport GAMES PROGRAMME
for a Child attending a Development Centre to travel to or from their home or school and any training or match venue.

141. Clubs that operate Development Centres must comply with the provisions of the League’s Safeguarding Standards in respect of General
each Development Centre they operate.
145. Save as permitted by the Board, Clubs shall not affiliate to any other youth leagues or enter any cup competitions except The
Pre-Academy Training Centres Football Association Youth Challenge Cup.

142. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy may operate one or more Pre-Academy Training Centres, 146. An Academy Player whose registration is held by a Club which operates an Academy shall play football only in a Games Programme
provided that: or in Authorised Games and, subject to Rule 155, in coaching and training games (participation in which is limited to registered
Academy Players and Trialists) organised by and played at an Academy.
142.1 teams representing the Pre-Academy Training Centre:
147. A Club which operates an Academy shall not require, cause or allow an Academy Player whose registration it holds to play football
142.1.1 may participate in matches against teams so long as they are not associated with a Club’s Academy, a Premier
except as permitted by Rule 146.
League club’s academy or a Pre-Academy Training Centre (save that matches may be played against other
Pre-Academy Training Centre teams from 1 January of the Under 8 season with prior approval of the League,
148. Each Club which operates an Academy shall record in each Academy Player’s Performance Clock:
to be requested at least seven days prior to the proposed match);
148.1 each match in which he has played; and
142.1.2 may not take part in matches or attend tours that require an overnight stay; and
148.2 his playing time in each match.
142.1.3 may not wear the Club’s first team match kit in any match.
142.2 contact sessions for each Child attending a Pre-Academy Training Centre does not exceed: 149. In all matches that form part of the Games Programme, each Club is required to ensure that all participating Academy Players wear
a shirt bearing a clearly visible number on the back, which corresponds to the number allocated to the relevant Academy Player on
142.2.1 for Children in the Under 7 year or below, two per week; and any team sheet submitted in accordance with these Rules or otherwise.
142.2.2 for Children in the Under 8 year, three per week; and
Foundation Phase Games Programme
142.3 matches must comply with the Football Association’s Laws of the Game for Small-Sided Football; and such Pre-Academy
Training Centres may be located on the same site as the location of its principal venue for the provision of coaching and 150. The Premier League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups of Clubs operating
education to Academy Players and incorporate coaching from coaches employed by the Academy, provided that any Category 1 and 2 Academies (and for the avoidance of doubt teams from both Categories shall participate together in this Games
individuals delivering such coaching comply with such minimum qualification levels as stipulated by the League from Programme).
time to time.
151. The League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of the Under 9 to Under 11 age groups of Clubs operating Category
Junior Training Centres 3 Academies.

143. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy may operate one or more Junior Training Centres, pro- 152. The Games Programmes referred to in Rules 150 and 151 shall consist of matches which:
vided that:
152.1 shall be competitive but whose results (except in the case of Tournaments) shall not give any particular competitive
143.1 teams representing the Junior Training Centre: significance between Academies (for example, no league table or the like shall be produced);
143.1.1 may, subject to Rule 143.1.2 below, participate in matches against any teams that are not associated with a 152.2 subject to Rule 152.3 shall be organised on a local basis so that, as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel more
Club, Premier League club or Development Centre; than one hour to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate
143.1.2 may only participate in matches against teams representing other Junior Training Centres, a Club’s Academy meaningfully in the Games Programme);
or a Premier League club’s academy with the prior approval of the League to be requested at least seven days 152.3 may be played in Festivals organised on a local, regional or national basis and each Club which operates a Category 1
prior to the proposed match; Academy shall organise and host a minimum of three Festivals per Season;
143.1.3 matches comply with the Football Association’s Laws of the Game (for example, in relation to pitch size and 152.4 shall take place during the Games Programme Schedule;
number of players on the pitch); and
152.5 may include matches against representative county schoolboy sides (being sides selected by the English Schools’
143.1.4 such Junior Training Centres may be located on the same site as the location of its principal venue for the Football Association);
provisions of coaching and education to Academy Players and incorporate coaching from coaches employed
by the Academy, provided that any individuals delivering such coaching comply with such minimum qualifi- 152.6 shall be played outdoors, save in respect of:
cation levels as stipulated by the League from time to time; and 152.6.1 Clubs operating Category 1 or 2 Academies when, during the second half of December and the whole of both
143.2 no Club may provide training, coaching, or matches at a Junior Training Centre for any player not in between their Under January and February, they shall be played indoors; and
9 year and their Under 16 year (inclusive). 152.6.2 Clubs operating Category 3 Academies when, during the second half of December and the whole of both
January and February, they may be played indoors; and.
Senior Training Centres
152.7 shall consist of matches played in accordance with the following formats (save that some matches played indoors may
144. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may operate one or more Senior Training be played as Futsal games):
Centres, provided that:
Age Team size Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size
144.1 teams representing the Senior Training Centre may participate in matches against teams that are not associated with a group
Club’s Academy or a Premier League club’s academy. For the avoidance of doubt, teams representing the Senior Training
Centre may participate in matches against other Senior Training Centres; Under 9 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 or 30x20 to 40x30 (4v4 and 12x6 3 (or 4 at the Home Club’s
7v7 5v5) option)
144.2 no Club may provide training, coaching, or matches at a Senior Training Centre for any player below the Under 17 age
50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)
group;
Under 10 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 and 30x20 to 40x30 (4v4 and 12x6 (4v4 and 5v5) 4
144.3 matches must comply with the FA’s Laws of the Game (for example, in relation to pitch size and number of players on
7v7 5v5)
the pitch); and 12x6 to 16x7 (7v7)
50x30 to 60x40 (7v7)
144.4 such Senior Training Centres may not be located on the same site as the location of the Club’s principal venue for the
provision of coaching and education to Academy Players and should not incorporate coaching from coaches employed Under 11 7v7 or 9v9 50x30 to 60x40 (7v7) 12x6 to 16x7 (7v7) 4
by the Academy and other Academy Staff unless it has been approved by the League and provided that any individuals 70x40 to 80x50 (9v9) 16x7 (9v9)
delivering such coaching comply with such minimum qualification levels as stipulated by the League from time to time.
The participating Clubs shall endeavour to agree which of the above formats shall be utilised, but in default of
agreement the home Club shall decide.

153. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy:

153.1 must participate fully in the Foundation Phase Games Programme; and
153.2 may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games of the types listed in paragraphs c), d), f) and h) of that
definition only (which shall be notified to the Premier League (if the Club operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy)
no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled to take place).

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154. Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Foundation Phase shall, subject to fitness, participate in at least half 165. As part of the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, the Premier League shall organise matches (which may be organised
the playing time in any one Season of matches in the Foundation Phase Games Programme and any other matches organised by the as Tournaments) against teams from clubs in membership of a national association other than The Football Association or the
Club pursuant to Rule 153.2 such playing time to be reasonably spread out over the Season. Football Association of Wales. Such matches shall be organised regularly for Clubs operating Category 1 Academies and from time
to time for Clubs operating Category 2 Academies.
155. Academy Players in the Foundation Phase, with the prior approval of their Club, may train and play for teams at grassroots level,
outside the Academy system. 166. The League shall organise a Games Programme for teams consisting of players in the Under 15 and Under 16 age groups of Clubs
operating Category 3 Academies, to be played on a regional basis so that as far as reasonably possible no team has to travel
Youth Development Phase Games Programme more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each Club can participate
meaningfully in the Games Programme).
156. The Premier League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups of Clubs operating
Category 1 and 2 Academies (and for the avoidance of doubt teams from both Categories shall participate together in this Games 167. Matches played pursuant to Rules 161 to 166 shall, when played outdoors, be played in accordance with the following format:
Programme). The Premier League will also organise a Games Programme for teams in the Under 15 age group of Clubs operating
Category 1 Academies and of those Category 2 Academies wishing to participate. Team size Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size

157. The League will organise a Games Programme for teams in each of the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups of Clubs operating Category 11v11 110x70 24x8 5
3 Academies.
168. Each Club which operates a Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3 Academy:
158. The Games Programme for Category 1 Clubs referred to in Rule 156 shall include the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Premier League
National Cups, participation in which shall not be mandatory. 168.1 must participate fully in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme (save that participation in the Under 13 and
Under 14 Premier League National Cups is voluntary); and
159. Each Club must inform the League by 30 April in each year whether it wishes to compete in the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15
168.2 may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games of the types listed in paragraphs (c), (d), (f) and (h) of that
Premier League National Cups the following season.
definition only (which shall be notified to the Premier League (in the case of a Club operating a Category 1 or Category 2
Academy) no later than 72 hours before they are scheduled to take place).
160. The Games Programmes referred to in Rules 156 and 157 shall consist of matches which shall:
160.1 be competitive but whose results (save for matches in the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Premier League National 169. Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 14 age groups shall, subject to fitness, participate in
Cups) shall not be given any particular competitive significance between Academies (for example, no league table or half the playing time of matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme and any other matches organised by his Club
the like shall be produced); pursuant to Rule 168.2, the Academy Player’s playing time to be reasonably spread over the Season.
160.2 (in the case of the Games Programme referred to in Rule 156) be organised on a regional basis so that as far as reasonably 170. Each Club shall ensure that each of its Academy Players in the Under 15 to Under 16 age groups shall, subject to fitness, participate
possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match save that longer travel times may be necessary: in at least 20 matches per Season (being matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme or any other matches
160.2.1 in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the Games Programme; and organised by his Club pursuant to Rule 168.2). Participation in a match shall for the purposes of this Rule mean playing at least 50%
of the game time.
160.2.2 for matches in the Under 13, Under 14 and Under 15 Premier League National Cups.
160.3 (in the case of the Games Programme referred to in Rule 157) be organised on a local basis so that as far as reasonably Professional Development Phase Games Programme
possible no team has to travel more than one hour to an away match and/or regional basis so that as far as reasonably
possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that in both cases longer travel times may 171. The Premier League will organise two Games Programmes, one for teams of Clubs operating Category 1 Academies and one for
be necessary in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the Games Programme); teams of Clubs operating Category 2 Academies.

160.4 shall include one or more Festivals or Tournaments for each Club organised on a regional, national or international 172. The League will organise a Games Programme for teams of Clubs operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies, and following
basis (which may include matches organised pursuant to Rule 165), with the number of such Festivals and Tournaments such consultation determine with those Clubs in its absolute discretion what Games Programme(s) should be developed for those
increasing for the older age groups in the Youth Development Phase; Clubs, Rules relating to the Games Programme and (subject to Rule 173.3) how that Games Programme should be delivered.
160.5 take place during the Games Programme Schedule;
173. The Games Programmes organised by the Premier League and the League pursuant to Rules 171 and 172 will be constituted on the
160.6 be played outdoors, except for matches for age groups Under 12 to Under 15 during the second half of December and following geographical bases:
the whole of both January and February involving teams of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies, which shall be played
173.1 Category 1: a national league and a regional league (depending on age group) with some matches played on a national
indoors; and
basis and some international matches against teams representing clubs in membership of national associations other
160.7 consist of matches played in accordance with the following formats (save that some matches played indoors may be than The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales (and such matches may be played either in England
played as Futsal games): or abroad);
173.2 Category 2:
Age group Team size Pitch size (yards) Goal size (feet) Ball size
173.2.1 in two leagues, each of which shall be constituted on a geographical basis (for example one league of northern
Under 12 11v11 90x60 21x7 (11v11) 4 based teams and one of southern based teams), the exact constitution of each league to be determined by
(or 9v9 if both (11v11) 16x7 (9v9) the Board in its absolute discretion having regard to those Clubs (and Premier League clubs) which operate
Clubs so agree) Category 2 Academies;
70x40 to 80x50 (9v9)
173.2.2 where practical, international matches against teams representing clubs in membership of a national
Under 13 11v11 90x60 21x7 4 association other than The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales (and such matches may
Under 14 11v11 90x60 to 100x60 21x7 to 24x8 5 be played either in England or abroad); and

Under 15 11v11 110x70 24x8 5 173.3 Categories 3 and 4:

173.3.1 in two or more leagues, each of which shall be constituted on a geographical basis (for example one league of
161. The Premier League shall organise a Games Programme for teams consisting of Academy Players in the Under 16 age group of Clubs northern based teams and one of southern based teams), the exact number of leagues and their geographical
operating Category 1 Academies, and another for teams of Academy Players in these age groups of Clubs operating Category 2 constitution to be determined by the League in its absolute discretion and having regard to those Premier
Academies. League clubs (and Clubs) which operate Category 3 and 4 Academies.

162. Save for any matches played abroad pursuant to Rule 165, the Games Programme for Category 1 Clubs referred to in Rule 161 shall: 174. Matches in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme organised under Rule 171:

162.1 be constituted either on a national basis or, if a majority of those Clubs (and Premier League clubs) which operate 174.1 shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game (and for the avoidance of doubt shall be in the 11v11 format);
Category 1 Academies so determined by no later than 31 March in the preceding Season, on a regional basis (as that term 174.2 shall be for Players in the Under 18 age group (and younger) only, save that a Club may name in its team sheet a
is defined in Rule 163; and goalkeeper in the Under 19 age group;
162.2 be competitive but whose results shall not be given any particular competitive significance between Academies (for 174.3 shall only have five substitutes named on the team sheet (and for the avoidance of doubt up to three substitutes
example, no league table or the like shall be produced). may enter the field of play and, in accordance with the IFAB Protocol, up to two ‘concussion substitutes’ and/or two
‘additional substitutes’ (as appropriate) from those substitutes listed on the team sheet);
163. The Games Programme for Category 2 Clubs referred to in Rule 161 shall be organised on a regional basis, that is to say so that as far
as reasonably possible no team has to travel more than two hours to an away match (save that longer travel times may be necessary 174.4 shall consist of competitive leagues and Tournaments; and
in order that each Club can participate meaningfully in the Games Programme). 174.5 may include an optional Futsal programme organised by the Premier League (for Clubs operating Category 1 and
Category 2 Academies) in the months of December, January and February.
164. Matches in the Games Programmes for Category 1 and Category 2 Clubs referred to in Rule 161 shall, unless the board of the Premier
League otherwise permits, be played on Saturdays and arranged so that as far as possible a Club’s fixtures in it mirror those of its
teams in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme.

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175. Matches in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme organised under Rule 172: DUTY OF CARE
175.1 shall be played in accordance with the Laws of the Game (and for the avoidance of doubt shall be in the 11 v 11 format);
Education
175.2 shall be for Players in the Under 18 age group (and younger) only, save that up to three Players in the Under 19 age group
may be named on the team sheet for a match;
190. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Education Programme which shall set out the activities to be undertaken by
175.3 shall only have five substitutes named on the team sheet (and for the avoidance of doubt all five substitutes may enter the Club to ensure that the education of its Academy Players and Players up to the Under 21 age group who are not regular members
the field of play); of the Club’s first team squad is supported effectively and which:
175.4 shall consist of competitive leagues and/or Tournaments; and 190.1 is appropriate to the Category of its Academy;
175.5 may include an optional Futsal programme organised by the Premier League in the months of December, January and 190.2 complies with all applicable requirements set out in this section of the Rules; and
February.
190.3 is evaluated by the Club within each Training Model and/or Development Phase to ensure it is meeting its objectives as
set out therein.
176. Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in the Leagues referred to in Rule 174.4 shall be set out in the rules of those Leagues.
191. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players receives a formal Education Programme which:
177. Each Club which operates an Academy:
191.1 is appropriate to his age and Training Model;
177.1 must participate fully in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme; and
191.2 meets his specific academic needs;
177.2 may organise and participate in additional Authorised Games (which shall be notified to the relevant League no later
than 72 hours before they are scheduled to take place). 191.3 complies with all legal requirements;

Premier League 2 and Professional Development League 191.4 is structured to ensure that his academic development is not compromised as a result of his being coached by the Club’s
Academy;
178. Each Club which operates a Category 1 Academy shall compete in Premier League 2 as part of the Professional Development Phase 191.5 in the case of an Academy Player who is entered into a Scholarship Agreement with the Club, consists of the SEP and an
Games Programme. educational programme approved by the League (which must include an academic or vocational qualification approved
by the League and be subject to ongoing quality assurance by the League); and
179. Each Club which operates a Category 2 Academy shall compete in the Professional Development League 2 as part of the Professional
Development Phase Games Programme, unless it is able to demonstrate to the League that its starting 11s in its first team matches 191.6 shall continue notwithstanding that the Academy Player signs a professional contract and which shall comply with the
during the preceding Season in the Premier League, the League Competition (including play off matches), the EFL Cup, The Football requirements of the Education and Skills Act 2008 with regard to education and training.
Association Challenge Cup, the EFL Trophy, the UEFA Europa League and/or UEFA Champions League included on average at least
five Players in the Under 21 age group or younger. 192. Each Academy Player’s educational progression under his Education Programme shall be recorded electronically and be made
available to the League.
180. Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may compete in the development league to be organised by The
League as part of the Professional Development Phase Games Programme. 193. Each Club which operates an Academy shall nominate a member of staff who shall be responsible for:
193.1 liaising with the school at which Academy Players are being educated;
181. The Premier League will organise Premier League 2, which shall consist of a national league competition played on a competitive
basis. 193.2 ensuring that any issues concerning an Academy Player’s education arising from that liaison are addressed to the
satisfaction of the school;
182. The Premier League will organise the Professional Development League, which shall consist of a league or leagues played on a
193.3 ensuring that for Academy Players on the Full Time and Hybrid Training Models (and where the League requests, for
competitive basis organised on a regional basis, the composition of such regional league(s) to be at the absolute discretion of the
Academy Players on the Part Time Training Model) each Academy Player’s school performance and educational data are
board of the Premier League who shall so far as reasonably possible determine the composition of each such league to ensure that
obtained from his school, recorded electronically and be made available to the League; and
each Club has to travel no more than three hours to each match (save that longer travel times may be necessary in order that each
Club (or club) can participate meaningfully in the Professional Development League). 193.4 co-ordinating and delivering the SEP.

183. The League will, if required, organise (or procure the organisation of, for example, through the Football Combination or Central Reports on Educational Progression
League) Professional Development League 3, which shall consist of a league or leagues played on a competitive basis and organised
on a regional basis, the composition of such regional league(s) and the minimum number of matches to be played by each Club to 194. Each Club which operates an Academy shall provide progress reports to the Parent(s) of each Academy Player in the Youth
be at the absolute discretion of the League who shall so far as reasonably possible determine the composition of each such league Development Phase to whom it provides a Full Time Education Programme.
to ensure that each Club (or club) has to travel no more than three hours to each match (save that longer travel times may be
necessary in order that each Club (or club) can participate meaningfully in Professional Development League 3). For the avoidance 195. The progress reports shall:
of doubt teams of Clubs operating Category 3 and Category 4 Academies shall compete together in Professional Development 195.1 detail the educational progression of the Academy Player; and
League 3.
195.2 be provided as and when necessary, but as a minimum at least once every 12 weeks.
184. Further provisions binding on Clubs competing in Premier League 2 and the Professional Development League shall be set out in
Delivery of the Education Programme
the rules of those Leagues.
Part Time Training Model
185. The League will in addition organise international matches (which may take place by way of Tournaments) for teams competing in
Premier League 2 and the Professional Development Leagues. 196. Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy Players being trained under the Part Time Training
Model, make contact in writing with the Academy Player’s school on a minimum of three occasions in each academic year to:
Games Programme: Postponement etc. of Matches
196.1 inform the Academy Player’s school that he is being so trained;
186. A match in the Games Programme between Academy teams in age groups Under 9 to Under 16 inclusive shall not be cancelled, 196.2 if the League so requests, obtain from the Academy Player’s school his school reports and, where possible, educational
postponed or abandoned except with the written consent of the Board or on the instructions of the officiating referee (or if the attainment data;
officiating referee is a minor, the official of the county FA who has accompanied them to the match) who shall be empowered to
instruct that such match be cancelled, postponed or abandoned only if they consider that the pitch is unfit for, or if adverse weather 196.3 use the information obtained (if any) to monitor the Academy Player’s academic progression by reference to his school
conditions preclude, the playing of the match in which event the Club at whose ground the match should have been played shall reports and, where possible, educational attainment data, and record it electronically; and
within seven days give to the League notice in writing to that effect. 196.4 liaise with the school on two occasions in each academic year in order to discuss and address any issues concerning the
Academy Player’s education which have risen or may arise as a consequence of his being trained at the Club’s Academy.
187. Except in the case of an Under 9 to Under 16 Games Programme match which, without either participating Club being at fault, is
cancelled, postponed or abandoned under the provisions of Rule 186, any Club which causes the cancellation, postponement or Hybrid Training Model
abandonment of such a match will be in breach of these Rules.
197. Each Club which operates the Hybrid Training Model must appoint a sufficient number of appropriately qualified teaching staff to
188. The Board shall have power to specify the equipment and facilities to be provided by Clubs for the playing of matches between provide the educational support referred to in Rule 198.2.
Academies.

189. In consultation with The Football Association, a minimum of four weekends each Season will be identified by the League upon
which there will be no fixtures for Academy teams, such weekends being devoted to international development, selected players’
courses and in-service training of coaches and staff.

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198. Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy Players being trained under the Hybrid Training Model: 204. If a Club wishes to engage an Academy Player on the Full Time Training or Hybrid Model (whether or not the Academy Player is
already registered with the Club), it shall complete either Form YD4A or YD4B (as appropriate) signed on behalf of the Club by an
198.1 undertake all necessary liaison and co-operation with the Academy Player’s school to ensure that the required element
Authorised Signatory and submit a copy to the League within five days of it being entered into.
of coaching can take place within the Core Coaching Time;
198.2 provide to the Academy Player such additional educational support (to be detailed in the written agreement referred 205. If the registration of an Academy Player on the Full Time Training Model is terminated by the Club or by the Board of its own volition,
to in Rule 198.5) as shall be necessary to compensate for teaching he has missed, and to ensure that his education is or if he changes to another Training Model, the Club shall, unless his Parent(s) agrees otherwise, continue to provide to him until
not adversely affected, as a result of being released from school to undertake coaching during the Core Coaching Time; the end of the academic year in which he reaches the age of 16 education and accommodation in accordance with the arrangements
made at the time of he was first engaged on the Full Time Training Model.
198.3 obtain from the Academy Player’s school his school reports and, where possible, educational attainment data;
198.4 monitor the Academy Player’s academic progression (including by use of the information obtained from the Academy Option 1
Player’s school pursuant to Rule 198.3) and record the information obtained pursuant to Rule 198.3 electronically in a Clubs may enter into a contractual relationship with an identified school (with the option of an alternative school if approved by the League) at
timely fashion and at least every 12 weeks (to coincide with dates of his Multi-disciplinary Reviews); which Academy Players receive their education.
198.5 enter into a written agreement with the Academy Player’s school and Parent which sets out details of the delivery of the The relationship will need to be flexed in terms of the amount of time that Academies would require Academy Players to be available for daily
Hybrid Training Model to the Academy Player, including weekly timetables, the likely impact on the Academy Player’s coaching. The school day will need to be flexed to accommodate the Coaching Curriculum whilst ensuring that boy’s educational development
education, and outline the compensatory education which will be provided by the Club; does not suffer.
198.6 ensure that the Academy Player follows a curriculum which reflects the ‘Progress 8’ measurement of educational Specific tutor support for the Education Programme will be required for all Academy Players engaged in the Full Time Training Model over and
assessment and attainment (save that where there are educational reasons why an Academy Player requires an above the normal curriculum. Additional tutor support will need to be individually tailored to the Academy Players’ needs.
amended curriculum to be followed, the League may grant dispensation from this requirement, subject to the approval
of an Educational Advisor);and Clubs will need to decide how and where Academy Players will be coached. The optimum environment is at the Club’s dedicated training facilities
but this will require a school in Education Option 1 to be in close proximity to the Club’s training facility so that the Academy Players can move easily
198.7 liaise with the school at least every 12 weeks in order to discuss and address any issues concerning the Academy Player’s between the school and the Club. With the Full Time Training Model, the school will need to be in close proximity to the training ground or else the
education which may arise or have arisen as a consequence of his being so trained. training will need to be accommodated at the school.
Full Time Training Model The other major consideration for Clubs which operate Category 1 Academies will be the need to provide dedicated housing, house parents and a
secure environment in which to live and work whilst staying with the Club. This will need to apply to all Academy Players who live outside a short
199. Each Club which operates an Academy shall, in respect of each of its Academy Players in the Youth Development Phase being commute from their Club’s training ground.
trained under the Full Time Training Model, ensure that it provides the Academy Player with coaching and education in accordance
Option 2
with a programme which complies with Rules 200 to 205 and which is approved in advance by the League.
In this option, Clubs may choose to develop and extend their own educational facilities at the training ground and, in effect, develop an onsite
200. The education element of the Full Time Training Model must comply with these Rules and be structured in accordance with one of school facility. For Clubs which operate a Category 1 Academy, accommodation would still be required on or near the training ground to house the
the three options set out below or in accordance with such other proposals as the League may approve. Academy Players and the associated social and welfare support would need to be factored into the delivery of this approach. Clubs may continue
to contract an educational partner/provider but the schooling would take place at the Club.
201. Each Club which operates the Full Time Training Model must:
Option 3
201.1 unless otherwise approved by the League, only enable Academy Players in the Under 12 and Under 13 age groups to
participate in the Full Time Training Model where they reside within 90 minutes of the Club’s principal training venue; Clubs may wish to establish their own schools. These schools may be general in their recruitment with specialist classes or groups of classes
catering for the Academy Players’ specialist needs. In this Education Option the same issues regarding the location of the school on or near the
201.2 enter into an agreement with any school at which its Academy Players are being educated setting out the obligations of training ground remain relevant as does the need to provide appropriate housing and care.
the Club and the school in respect of the education of those Academy Players;
201.3 ensure that Academy Players in the Under 12, Under 13 and Under 14 age groups being educated at schools are fully 206. Each Club which operates an Academy shall notify the League, in such a manner as the League shall from time to time specify,
integrated with other pupils of their age, which obligation shall include (without limitation) attending lessons with such of the Training Model on which each of its Academy Players is engaged and, if there is a proposed change in circumstances for
other pupils according to the school’s normal timetable (save where the Academy Players are being coached in the Core an Academy Player (for instance, changing to/from the Full Time Training Model or Hybrid Training Model or Part Time Training
Coaching Time in accordance with these Rules); Model), forthwith inform the League of the change in Form YD4C and provide such evidence as the League may require to show that
the Academy Player and his Parent(s) consented to the change.
201.4 ensure that there is in place a written agreement between the Club, each Academy Player engaged on the Full Time
Training Model, his Parent(s) and his school which sets out full details of his education and Coaching Curriculum; Personal Development and Life Skills Plans
201.5 ensure that the Education Programme of each such Academy Player provides him with a minimum of 20 hours’ education
207. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Personal Development and Life Skills Plan to support the holistic
during each week of the school term;
development of each of its Academy Players and Academy Players up to the age of the Under 21 age group.
201.6 ensure that appropriate staff/student ratios are utilised for all educational activity in which the Academy Player is
engaged; 208. The programme referred to in Rule 207 shall ensure that each Academy Player and Players up to the age of the Under 21 age group
trained under the Full Time Training Model and/or in the Professional Development Phase has the opportunity to engage in
201.7 ensure that each Academy Player follows a curriculum which reflects the ‘Progress 8’ measurement of educational activities outside the Academy which will encourage him to take an active part in the community and develop an understanding of
assessment and attainment (save where there are educational reasons why an Academy Player requires an amended good citizenship.
curriculum to be followed, the League may grant dispensation from this requirement, subject to the approval of an
Educational Advisor); 209. Each Academy Player shall engage in the activities referred to in Rule 208 unless he has good cause not to do so and each Club shall
201.8 obtain from the Academy Player’s school his school reports and, where possible, educational attainment data; take all reasonable steps to ensure that each of its Academy Players does so engage.

201.9 monitor the Academy Player’s academic progression (including by use of the information obtained from the Academy 210. Each Club shall nominate an Official to be responsible for the welfare and supervision of Academy Players engaged on the Part Time
Player’s school pursuant to Rule 201.8) and record the information obtained pursuant to Rule 201.8 electronically in a Training Model or Hybrid Training Model, while they are present at the Club’s facilities.
timely fashion and at least every 12 weeks (to coincide with dates of his Multi-disciplinary Reviews);
Inductions and Transitions
201.10 permit the League to conduct reviews with Academy Players in the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups, as required; and
201.11 pursuant to Rule 191.5, ensure that Scholars are provided with sufficient time and support to prepare for the ‘End Point 211. Each Club shall arrange a pre-season induction event for Academy Players and their Parent(s) and there shall be at least one such
Assessment’. induction event per Development Phase and on every occasion that a new Academy Player joins the Club.

202. Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 36, each Club which operates the Hybrid or Full Time Training Model must in respect of 212. The induction meeting referred to in Rule 211 shall provide such information to the Academy Players and their Parent(s) as is
each such Training Model: necessary in order for them to understand the coaching and, if relevant, education that the Academy Player will receive from the
Club.
202.1 not do so unless the League has pre-approved and annually certified its proposed delivery of the Training Model;
202.2 permit the League to monitor and assess its delivery of the Training Model, including in respect of an individual Academy 213. Each Club which operates an Academy shall permit a representative of the League to attend such induction meetings on request.
Player, in order to ensure that it complies with these Rules; and
214. The Code of Conduct set out in Appendix B shall be binding on all Academy Players registered on a YD4, (and their Parent(s)) and
202.3 forthwith implement any changes to its delivery of the Training Model that the League may require. on Clubs and Officials and any breach thereof by such Academy Players or by Clubs or Officials shall be treated as a breach of these
Rules.
203. If the League is not satisfied that a Club’s delivery of the Hybrid or Full Time Training Model complies with these Rules:
203.1 it may refuse to an application to register an Academy Player on it; and 215. Each Club which operates an Academy shall devise and implement an Induction and Transition Strategy.

203.2 the Board may exercise its powers set out in Rule 291.

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Academy Player and Parent Voice 232. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that there is available at all games involving Academy teams appropriate first
aid or primary care provision and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing or to any Rules applicable to an Authorised
216. Each Club which operates an Academy shall devise and implement one or more mechanisms to invite and receive feedback from Game, that;
Academy Players and their Parent(s).
232.1 in respect of each match in the Professional Development Phase Games Programme, the following qualified individuals
217. Clubs shall establish, maintain and, when necessary implement a complaints procedure for Academy Players and Parent(s), a copy must be present at the match venue:
of which shall be submitted to the League.
Academy Category Individuals who must be present
Safeguarding and Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
• a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved
by the Board;
218. Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it protects the welfare of each of its Academy Players and Players up to the
Category 1
Under 21 age group who continue to train with the Academy on a regular basis by offering support for his wellbeing and pastoral • a paramedic and ambulance; and
care generally. • a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or
higher qualification approved by the Board
219. Each Club which operates an Academy shall devise a mental and emotional wellbeing action plan to include details of support
available and a referral process for concerns, in accordance with such guidance issued by the League from time to time. • a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved
by the Board or a paramedic and (for Premier League Clubs) an ambulance; and
220. The provisions of Section 11 of the Regulations: Safeguarding apply to Academies and Development Centres. Category 2
• a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or
higher qualification approved by the Board
221. Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 220 each Club shall appoint an Academy safeguarding officer who shall:
• a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved
221.1 undertake the functions set out in Regulation 120 specifically with regard to the Academy; and
by the Board; or
221.2 liaise with the Club’s Head of Safeguarding. Category 3
• a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds a current ITMMiF or an equivalent or
higher qualification approved by the Board
Health and Safety
• a doctor who holds a current ATMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved
222. Clubs and Academy Staff shall observe and comply with any guidance issued by the League in respect of health and safety by the Board; or
management and any breach thereof shall be treated as a breach of these Rules. Category 4
• a physiotherapist (or Sports Therapist) who holds the ITMMiF or an equivalent or higher
223. Clubs shall ensure that their Academy Players are insured in accordance with advice circulated by the League from time to time. qualification approved by the Board

Inclusion, Diversity and Equality 232.2 In respect of each match in the Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase, the following qualified individuals
shall be present at the match venue:
224. Each Club bound by these Rules must comply with the League Code of Practice regarding equality and diversity. Each Club which
operates an Academy and is in membership of the Premier League must comply with Premier League Rule J.4. Academy Category Individuals who must be present

225. Each Club which operates an Academy shall deliver training for its Academy Players and Academy Staff on equality, diversity and Category 1 • a doctor, physiotherapist or Sports Therapist who holds a current ATMMiF or an
inclusion each Season. equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board
Category 2 • a doctor, physiotherapist or Sports Therapist who holds a current ITMMiF or an
Injury and Medical
equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board
226. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players undergoes the following tests to measure Category 3 • a doctor, physiotherapist or Sports Therapist who holds a current ITMMiF or an
physical and physiological fitness (in accordance with any guidance issued by the League from time to time): equivalent or higher qualification approved by the Board
226.1 age-appropriate medical and physical screening;
232.3 a defibrillator and trauma equipment are maintained at each venue at which matches are played and at which coaching
226.2 anthropometric assessments; takes place.
226.3 physiological/fitness testing;
233. Without prejudice to the requirements of Rule 231, the following qualified individuals shall be present at all venues at which
226.4 movement and posture/functional screening;
coaching takes place:
226.5 predictive testing of size and shape/maturation measurement (save that a Club operating a Category 4 Academy shall
not be obliged to conduct such tests); Academy Individuals who must be present
Category
226.6 psychological profiling (Category 1 Academies only);
Category 1 a physiotherapist or a Sports Therapist with a current ITMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification
226.7 cardiac screening for Academy Players in the Under 15 age group and above;
approved by the Board.
226.8 medical examinations on all its Academy Players registered on Scholarship Agreements in accordance with the
requirements laid down in Regulation 59; and Category 2 a physiotherapist or a Sports Therapist with a current ITMMiF or an equivalent or higher qualification
approved by the Board.
226.9 monitoring of physical exertion (Category 1 Academies only),
Category 3 a member of staff who holds a current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the
and shall submit to the League such information as it may from time to time require in order to establish a national database of Board.
athletic development.
Category 4 a member of staff who holds a current EFAiF or an equivalent or higher qualification approved by the
227. Subject to a Club complying with Rule 226, the Premier League will make available to it (on an anonymised basis) benchmarked data Board.
derived from the information provided to it by all Clubs;

228. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its registered Academy Players on the Full Time Training Model is
registered with an NHS general practitioner for the provision of general medical services, using the address at which he resides.

229. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that details of all injuries suffered by its Academy Players and of all rehabilitation
are recorded and provided to the Premier League and the Football Association in order that a national audit of injury and
rehabilitation may be maintained.

230. Subject to a Club complying with Rule 229, the Premier League will make available to it benchmarked data derived from the national
audit of injury and rehabilitation.

231. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that it has in place an Emergency Action Plan, and that all relevant Academy
Staff are aware of its contents, and that it provides a copy of it in advance of all its home matches in the Games Programmes to its
opponents.

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SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE PERFORMANCE SUPPORT TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT
Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme Scouts: Qualifications

234. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish a Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme (in 241. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Scouts, whose duties include the identification of Academy
accordance with the criteria set out in these Rules which apply to the Category of its Academy) for the benefit of its Academy Players. Players whose registration the Club may wish to secure, in addition to complying with the provisions of this section of these Rules:

235. Each Club’s Sport Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme shall be managed by its Head of Academy Sports Science 241.1 is in possession of such qualification as the League may require from time to time;
and Medicine (in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy) or by an appropriately qualified Official (in 241.2 understands and complies in full with these Rules and the Code of Conduct for Scouts; and
the case of the Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy).
241.3 undertakes Continued Professional Development each year.
236. The Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme of each Club should detail the planned provision to each of its
241A. The League shall register a Scout and shall notify the applicant Club to that effect upon being satisfied that:
Academy Players of at least the following areas:
241A.1 the Scout holds the qualification required by Rule 241.1;
236.1 physical development;
241A.2 the Scout is not currently registered as the Scout of another Club.
236.2 medical services;
236.3 diet and nutrition; 241B. At the start of each season each Club shall issue a Scout Identification Card to each of its registered Scouts.
236.4 Performance Analysis; and
241C. Except during the period of five days referred to in Rule 242, no Club shall employ a Scout
236.5 psychology. who is not registered with the League pursuant to Rule 241A unless it has made an application to register them which has yet to
be determined.
237. The progress and development of each Academy Player under the Sports Science and Medicine/Performance Support Programme
(including without limitation the results of the tests set out in Rule 226, and full details of any injuries, the treatment thereof, and 241D. Upon a Club which operates an Academy ceasing to employ or engage a registered Scout, it shall within five days thereof:
the length of any period of rehabilitation) shall be noted in his Multi-disciplinary Review and recorded in his Performance Clock. 241D.1 give notice to that effect to the League who shall thereupon remove their name from the register; and
241D.2 return their Scout Identification Card to the League.
Performance Analysis
241E. Scouts shall conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Scouts set out in Appendix A.
238. Each Club operating a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall:
238.1 have such technical facilities as are necessary to undertake the Performance Analysis required of it by Rule 238.2; 241F. Each Club which operates an Academy shall take all reasonable endeavours to ensure that its Scouts comply in all respects with Rule
241E and the Code of Conduct for Scouts.
238.2 undertake Performance Analysis (including, in the case of a Club which operates a Category 1 Academy, by undertaking
GPS evaluation in the Professional Development Phase and in the Youth Development Phase if the Full Time Training 242. Each Club shall ensure that, where the relevant Scout’s duties include those referred to in Rule 241, in addition to complying with
Model is utilised) of training activity and matches in the Youth Development Phase Games Programme, the Professional the Scout registration requirements of these Rules, it provides evidence to the League within five days of employing or engaging
Development Phase Games Programme and the Professional Development League; the Scout that the Scout holds the qualification required by Rule 241.1, and the League shall register the Scout where it is satisfied
238.3 use the results of such Performance Analysis in its monitoring of the coaching and development of Academy Players in that the registration requirements of this section of these Rules have been complied with and the Scout holds the qualification
the Youth Development Phase and the Professional Development Phase; and required by Rule 241.1.

238.4 make available to the League such Performance Analysis data as it reasonably shall require to undertake the Scouts: Attendance at Matches
benchmarking of data for that Academy against national trends.
243. Each Club which operates an Academy shall permit the Scouts of other Clubs to attend matches played in the Games Programmes
239. Each Club operating a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall comply with Rule 238 but only in respect of players in the Under 17 provided that:
to Under 18 age groups.
243.1 the Club which has employed or engaged the Scout notifies both Clubs involved in the match of the Scout’s proposed
240. Subject to a Club complying with Rule 238 or 239 (as appropriate depending on the Category of its Academy), and to a sufficient attendance by no later than 12 noon on the last Normal Working Day before the published date of the match; and
number of Clubs (and Premier League Clubs) likewise complying, the Premier League may make available to it benchmarked data 243.2 the Scout is able to produce on demand to the home Club their Scout Identification Card.
derived from comparing the Performance Analysis data it has submitted to the League with that submitted by other Clubs (on an
anonymised basis). 244. Each Scout shall inform the home Club of their arrival at a match.

245. Each Club which operates an Academy shall prepare and produce a document setting out the process of how Scouts employed by
that Club should approach Academy Players (and other players) and the process thereafter. Such process should comply in full with
these Rules and the Code of Conduct for Scouts and should build upon the training that the Scout received while obtaining the
relevant scouting qualification referred to in Rule 241.1.

Scouts: Disciplinary Action

245a Any breach by a Scout of Rule 241E shall amount to a breach of these Rules and the League shall be entitled to take disciplinary
action against the Scout and/or their Club for such breach in accordance with Section 8 of the League’s Regulations. In addition to
the sanctions available under Section 8, an additional sanction of the removal of a Scout’s registration shall also be available at the
conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, should a breach be held to exist.

245b Any breach by a Club of Rule 241C or Rule 241F shall amount to a breach of these Rules and the League shall be entitled to take
disciplinary action against the Club for such breach in accordance with Section 8 of the League’s Regulations. In addition to the
sanctions available under Section 8, an additional sanction of the removal of a Scout’s registration shall also be available at the
conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, should a breach be held to exist.

Registrations and Provision of Information by the League

246. Upon receiving an application by a Club to register an Academy Player, the League shall immediately provide to the Academy
Player’s Parent(s) a copy of these Rules and the Parents/Carers Handbook.

247. Subject to Rule 248, the League will undertake the registration (which shall be backdated to the date of application) of the Academy
Player if:
247.1 seven days have elapsed from the date the League receives the application referred to above; and
247.2 during that time, the League has not been contacted by the Academy Player or his Parent to inform the League that he
no longer wishes to be registered as an Academy Player for that Club.
and in such circumstances, the Academy Player may be coached by and play for the Club during the period of seven days referred to
in Rule 247.1. The provisions of Rules 314 and 317 shall apply during the period referred to in Rule 247.1

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248. Without prejudice to its powers of inquiry under Section 8 of the Regulations, prior to undertaking any registration of an Academy 259. The conditions referred to in Rule 252 are as follows:
Player, the League may, in its absolute discretion, request: 259.1 a trial may be offered or given by a Club to anyone in age groups Under 9 to Under 11 inclusive who has his permanent
248.1 any Official of the Club seeking to register the Academy Player, any Official of a Club with which the Academy Player has residence within one hour’s travelling time of the Club’s Academy;
previously been registered, the Academy Player himself and/or his Parent(s) to appear before it to answer questions; 259.2 a trial may be offered or given by any Club to anyone in age groups Under 12 and Under 13 who has his permanent residence
and within one and a half hours’ travelling time of the Club’s Academy or for a player that a Club proposes to register under
248.2 such Persons or any Club (or club) to produce documents, Rule 281 ;

in each case, to ensure that there has been no breach of Rules 314 to 317. 259.3 a trial may be offered or given by a Club to anyone in age groups Under 14 to Under 16 inclusive;
259.4 subject to Rule 259.5.2 a trial may be offered or given by one or more Clubs to an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who
249. Where a request is made by the League in accordance with Rule 248, the League may, in its absolute discretion, stay the registration
has been informed by the Club holding his registration that it will not offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with him;
of the Academy Player until it is satisfied that there has been no breach of Rules 314 to 317 (and, in such circumstances, the Academy
any such trial or series of trials may not in the aggregate exceed eight weeks;
Player may not be coached by or play for the Club seeking to register him until the League notifies the Academy Player and the Club
that the registration has been undertaken). 259.5 a trial may not be offered or given to anyone:
259.5.1 who is on trial at another Academy; or
250. If the Academy Player directly or indirectly contacts another Club, and such contact results in the Academy Player becoming
registered with that other Club without the consent of the Club referred to in Rule 246, the other Club shall be presumed to have 259.5.2 whose registration is held by another Club (or club) except with the written consent of such Club (or club) or in
breached Rule 314. the case of an Academy Player who is exercising his entitlement under either Rule 285, Rule 286 or Rule 287 to
seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of another Club (or club).
Time/Distance Rules
Any question or dispute concerning the travelling time requirements in this Rule shall be determined by the League in its
251. Subject to Rule 281, each Club which operates an Academy shall be permitted to register Academy Players who reside within the absolute discretion.
travel times measured from the location of the Club’s principal venue for the provision of coaching and education set out in the 260. If a Trialist attending an Academy is injured so that he cannot be coached or play football or if the period of his trial is interrupted by
following table. any other occurrence, application may be made to the League in writing (at least one week before the Trialist’s trial period is due to
expire) to extend the period of his trial, giving full reasons therefor, and the League shall have power to extend such period in such
Permitted Recruitment time/distance terms as it may think fit.
Foundation Phase Youth Development Phase Professional Development Phase 261. If before the date upon which a Trialist’s trial period is due to end his trial is terminated, notice to that effect shall be given to the
League by sending to the League YD8A duly completed.
Category 1 1 hour • No limit for Academy Players engaged in the Full no limit
Time Training Model between the Under 14 and 262. Upon a Trialist commencing a trial, the League may provide to him and his Parent a copy of these Rules and such other information as
Under 16 age groups; the League considers relevant.

• 1 ½ hours for all other Academy Players in the 263. Where a Club makes an application to the League in Form YD4 that an Academy Player who is a Trialist with that Club at the time of the
Youth Development Phase. application be registered as an Academy Player with that Club, the relevant trial will be immediately deemed cancelled by the League
and the provisions of Rules 246 to 250 shall apply.
Category 2 1 hour 1½ no limit
Pre-Registration Agreements
Category 3 1 hour 1½ no limit
264. Subject to the provisions of Art. 19 of the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players, on or after 1st January in any season
Category N/A N/A no limit a Club may enter into a pre-registration agreement with a player who does not reside within one and a half hours’ travelling time of its
4 Academy provided that such a player is then:

Any question or dispute concerning the travelling time requirements in this Rule, and whether permission should be granted to 264.1 in his Under 16, Under 17 or Under 18 year; and
register the relevant Academy Player, shall be determined by the Board. 264.2 in Full Time Education; and

Trials 264.3 not registered with another Club or Premier League club (except in circumstances where the Board grants approval for the
player to remain registered at his current Club until the agreement takes effect).
252. Subject to the conditions set out in Rules 253 and 259, a Trialist may attend an Academy for up to eight consecutive weeks in any one
season without being registered provided that: 265. A pre-registration agreement shall be in Form YD9 and shall include an undertaking by the Club to enter into a Scholarship Agreement
with the player upon the Club having acquired the player’s registration and:
252.1 at least seven days’ prior written notice to that effect shall be given to any junior club of which such Trialist is a member
and the Trialist’s school; and 265.1 in the case of a player in his Under 16 year, on or after the last Friday in June in the academic year in which the Academy
Player reaches the age of 16; or
252.2 before the trial commences his particulars shall be notified forthwith to the League by sending to the League:
265.2 in the case of a player in his Under 17 or Under 18 year, upon his ceasing Full Time Education.
(a) Form YD8 duly completed;
Unless authorised in writing by the Board, a breach of such an undertaking will constitute a breach of these Rules.
(b) proof of his home address and date of birth in such form as is required by the League; and
266. Clubs shall submit to the League copies of all pre-registration agreements within five days of their being entered into, which must
(c) a photographic image of the Trialist in such format as is required by include:
the League.
266.1 Form YD4 signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory;
253. In the case of the Trialist in one of the age groups Under 9 to Under 16, a Club may apply to the League for permission to extend the
period of eight weeks referred to in Rule 252 for an additional period of four weeks. 266.2 proof of both the player’s home address and date of birth in such form as is required by the Board (with any subsequent
change(s) of address to be submitted by the Club to the League); and
254. An application to extend a trial period must be:
266.3 a photographic image of the player in such format as is required by the Board.
254.1 made by the Club at least one week before the Trialist’s trial period is due to expire;
267. A written Coaching Curriculum shall be annexed to each pre-registration agreement and the player shall not be coached by or at
254.2 accompanied by such information and assurances as the League may require; and the Club’s Academy or participate in its matches, tours, Festivals, Training Camps or Tournaments until the programme has been
254.3 consented to by the Trialist and his Parent(s). approved in writing by the Board and then only to the extent set out in the programme.

255. An application to extend a trial period shall only be granted by the League if it is satisfied as to arrangements put in place by the Club Registrations
for the welfare and education of the Trialist.
268. Each Club shall ensure that only Academy Players registered with that Club, Trialists attending Trials in accordance with Rule 252,
256. A Trialist may not register with another Club (or club) during the first seven weeks of the initial eight week trial period but may at any and players with whom the Club has entered into a pre-registration agreement in accordance with Rule 264 shall be coached by or
time terminate an extended trial period to which he is subject. at that Club’s Academy or participate in matches, tours, Festivals, Training Camps or Tournaments in which the Club operating that
257. Rule 40 (Performance Clocks) and Rule 41 (Multi-disciplinary Reviews) shall apply with regard to Trialists. Academy is involved.

258. Each Club shall give the League all such access to information and Persons as it may require in order to monitor the welfare and 269. Each Club must ensure that every player who represents it in a match, Festival, Tournament or any other event that forms part of
progression of Trialists and to determine whether to grant an application to extend a trial period. the Games Programme is able to produce at that event, on request by the League, a valid registration card issued by the League.

270. Subject to Rule 271, players in age groups Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 shall be registered for one
year and those in age groups Under 13 and Under 15 for two years.

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271. The registration of an Academy Player shall endure until the last Friday in June in the academic year in which he reaches the age of 282. An application to register an Academy Player shall be refused if:
16 if:
282.1 the Academy Player is in age groups Under 10, Under 11 or Under 12;
271.1 he is engaged in the Full Time Training Model; or
282.2 the registration of that Academy Player was held by another Club or Premier League club (“the Former Club”) within the
271.2 the Club has made an application to the Board to this end, having offered to engage the Academy player on the Full period of 12 months prior to the making of the application;
Time Training Model and the Academy Player having rejected this offer for sound educational reasons. In such a case the
282.3 the Former Club had given notice to that Academy Player under the provisions of Rules 284.1 or 284.2 that it intended
Board shall enquire into the circumstances and satisfy itself as to the bona fides of the application, and if so satisfied
to retain his registration; and
shall have the power to determine that the Academy Player’s registration should so endure.
282.4 the Club making the application had within the said period of 12 months registered two Academy Players in age groups
272. The registration of Academy Players will be undertaken by the League and all registrations are subject to the approval of the League. Under 10, Under 11 or Under 12 whose registrations had been held by the former Club,

273. Registrations of Academy Players undertaken by the Premier League which are held by Clubs relegated to the League shall be unless the Club making the application and the former Club agree otherwise.
treated as having been undertaken by the League provided all circumstances surrounding that registration comply with these
283. On or before the third Saturday in May in every year each Club shall send to the League a list in Form YD5 containing the names of
Rules, failing which the League shall be at liberty to reject that registration unless otherwise determined by the Board.
each of the Academy Players whose registration it then holds (other than those who have entered into a Scholarship Agreement
274. An application for the registration of an Academy Player at an Academy shall be made by completing and submitting to the League: whose names are included in the list required by Regulation 67.1), indicating

a) Form YD4 signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory; 283.1 which it retains;

b) a copy of the Code of Conduct referred to in Rule 214; 283.2 which it intends to retain; and

c) proof of both the Academy Player’s home address and date of birth in such form as is required by the League (with any 283.3 which it intends to terminate (with effect from the first Saturday in June).
subsequent change(s) of address to be submitted by the Club to the League); and
End of Season Procedure
d) a photographic image of the Academy Player in such format as is required by the League.
284. Except in the case of an Academy Player who has been offered and has accepted a Scholarship Agreement in accordance with Rule
The completed Form YD4 must be submitted to the League by the Club within five days of signature by the Academy Player.
300:
284.1 on or before the third Saturday in May in every year in which his registration is held, each Club shall give or send to
275. A Club shall request each Academy Player (or if he is a minor his Parent(s)) to complete the ethnicity monitoring questionnaires at each of its Academy Players in age groups Under 9 to Under 11 Form 30 notifying him whether it intends to retain or to
the same time that he completes Form YD4. If he does so the Club shall submit the completed ethnicity monitoring questionnaire terminate his registration with effect from the first Saturday in June; and
to the League at the same time that it submits Form YD4. If the Academy Player or his Parent(s) (as applicable) elects not to
complete the questionnaire, he should nevertheless submit form YD4 to the League forthwith. 284.2 on or before the third Saturday in May, each Club shall give or send to each of its Academy Players in age groups Under 12
and Under 14 Form 30 notifying him whether it intends to retain his registration for the next two seasons or to terminate
it with effect from the first Saturday in June.
276. An application in YD4 shall be refused if it is made in respect of a player with whom a Club (or club), other than the applicant Club,
has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current. 285. An Academy Player who receives notification under Rule 284.1 or Rule 284.2 of his Club’s intention to terminate his registration shall
be at liberty following receipt of such notification to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any other Club (or
277. Except in the case of a Scholar, a player shall not be registered as an Academy Player unless he is in Full Time Education. club).

278. The Board may from time to time direct the minimum number of Academy Players to be registered by each Club in each age group, 286. An Academy Player who receives notification under Rule 284.1 or Rule 284.2 of his Club’s intention to retain his registration shall
and each Club shall comply with any such direction. likewise be at liberty after the first Saturday in June to seek registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any other Club (or
club) provided that:
279. The maximum numbers of Academy Players registrable by a Club at any one time are as follows:
286.1 by the first Saturday in June he has given written notice to his Club and the League terminating his registration; and
Age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive: 30 in each age group
286.2 he has received the League’s written acknowledgement of the same.
Age groups Under 15 and Under 16 inclusive: 20 in each age group
Age groups Under 17 and Under 18: 30 across both age groups 287. An Academy Player in age group Under 16 who has not received an offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement by 31 December
or who has been notified in writing by his Club that such an offer will not be forthcoming shall thereafter be at liberty to seek
Age groups Under 19 to Under 21 inclusive 15 in each age group. registration as an Academy Player at the Academy of any other Club (or club) and, in such circumstances (save where the Academy
Player concerned remains in Full Time Education beyond his Under 16 year), the Club that holds his registration shall not be entitled
280. No application to register any Academy Player in the Under 9 age group, may be signed by the Academy Player before the third
to receive compensation from any Club (or club) that subsequently registers the Academy Player for its training and development
Saturday in May immediately preceding his Under 9 year.
of that Academy Player, in accordance with Rule 345.
281. A player in age groups Under 12 to Under 16 (inclusive) who resides more than one and a half hours’ travelling time from the nearest
Termination of Registration
Academy may be registered as an Academy Player at the nearest Club which operates an Academy of the appropriate Category
subject to the following conditions: 288. Subject to Rule 289, the registration of an Academy Player who has not entered into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall
281.1 an application for registration of an Academy Player under the provisions of this Rule shall be accompanied by a written terminate upon the happening of the earliest of the following events:
Coaching Curriculum which shall include full particulars of any coaching the Academy Player will receive at or in the 288.1 the Academy Player completing his Full Time Education;
locality of his place of residence;
288.2 the receipt by the League at any time of a mutual cancellation notification in Form YD7 or YD10 duly completed and
281.2 the Coaching Curriculum shall be designed so as to ensure that it does not cause the Academy Player to be absent from signed by the Academy Player and his Parent and on behalf of the Club holding his registration;
school;
288.3 the receipt by the League of the Academy Player’s notice duly given in accordance with the provisions of Rule 286.1;
281.3 in the case of an Academy Player registered under the provisions of this Rule at an Academy, the Head of Education shall
make enquiries of the Academy Player’s school at least four times each season during the currency of his registration so 288.4 the first Saturday in June following the receipt by the League of Form YD30 upon which his Club has indicated its
as to satisfy themselves that the Academy Player’s best interests are being served by the Coaching Curriculum and that it intention to terminate the Academy Player’s registration; or
is not adversely affecting his education; the result of each enquiry shall be reported in writing to the Academy Manager 288.5 the expiry, surrender, suspension or revocation of the Academy licence of the Club holding the registration.
who in the event of an adverse report shall apply to the Board for the cancellation of the Academy Player’s registration;
and 289. Where a club is relegated to the National League (a ‘Former Football League Club’), the club shall be entitled to retain the
registration of any Academy Players registered at the date of relegation, and such registrations shall automatically terminate upon
281.4 unless any other travelling arrangements have been submitted to and approved in writing by or on behalf of the Board,
the happening of the earliest of the following events:
on the occasion of each visit by the Academy Player to the Academy at which he is registered he shall be accompanied on
both the outward and the return journey by his Parent(s). 289.1 the Club ceases to operate an Academy in accordance with these Rules; or
289.2 on 30 June immediately after the second Season following relegation (unless by that date the Club has been promoted
back to the Football League).

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290. The Board shall have power at any time to cancel the registration of an Academy Player: 305. If the parties to a Scholarship Agreement have agreed in writing that they will enter into a Standard Contract (as that term is defined
in Regulation 64.2) prior to or immediately upon the termination of the Scholarship Agreement, and provided that the written
290.1 upon the written application of either:
agreement between them specifies the length of the contract and full details of all the remuneration and benefits payable under
290.1.1 the Academy Player or, if the Academy Player is a child, his Parent on his behalf (and one of the grounds, it, the Club shall not be obliged to complete and sign a mutual cancellation notification upon the Academy Player’s application for
but not the only ground, on which such an application may be made is that the categorisation of the Club’s cancellation of his registration pursuant to clause 13.1 of the Scholarship Agreement. If the Club chooses not to cancel the Academy
Academy has been lowered pursuant to Rule 23.3); or Player’s registration, the Academy Player shall remain registered with the Club and the Scholarship Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect.
290.1.2 the Club holding his registration; or
290.2 of its own volition in the circumstances set out in Rule 291. Appeal against Termination
306. An appeal by an Academy Player under the provisions of clause 10.3 or by a Club under the provisions of clause 12.3 of the Scholarship
291. If the Board is not satisfied that a Club is complying with any one or more of the Rules concerning the Hybrid or Full Time Training
Agreement shall be commenced by notice in writing addressed to the other party to the agreement and to the League.
Model, or if it is of the view that the education of an Academy Player engaged on the Hybrid or Full Time Training Model is being
prejudiced as a result of his engagement thereon (regardless of whether the Club is in compliance with these Rules) it may, either
Appeal against Disciplinary Decision
of its own volition or on the written application of an Academy Player who is affected thereby (or of his Parent(s) on his behalf if he
is a Child): 307. An appeal by an Academy Player under the provisions of paragraph 3.3.2 of the Schedule to the Scholarship Agreement shall be
commenced by notice in writing addressed to the Club and to the League.
291.1 cancel the registration of the Academy Player; or
291.2 order that the Academy Player be deemed to be engaged on one of the other Training Models. 308. Appeals pursuant to Rule 306 or Rule 307 shall be referred to the Player Related Dispute Commission.

292. The Board will not exercise its powers set out in Rule 291 without having first given the Club, the Academy Player and his Parent(s) 309. The Player Related Dispute Commission may allow or dismiss any such appeal and make such other order as it thinks fit.
the opportunity to make representations to it.
Order for Costs
293. The Board shall determine such an application in such manner as it shall think fit and, in particular, shall have power to appoint 310. The Player Related Dispute Commission shall have power to make an order for costs:
one or more suitably qualified Persons to enquire into all the circumstances of the application (adopting such procedures as are
considered appropriate) and to report to the Board, recommending whether the application should be granted or refused. If the 310.1 in determining appeals under Rule 306 or Rule 307; and
application is granted, the Board may impose conditions (e.g. as to compensation) on the cancellation of the registration. For the 310.2 if any such appeal, having been commenced, is withdrawn.
avoidance of doubt the ability to determine any application, and any conditions relating thereto, shall continue notwithstanding
any expiry of the registration after the date of the original application. 311. The Player Related Dispute Commission shall have power to determine the amount of any such costs which may include, without
limitation, those incurred by the Company in the conduct of the appeal.
294. Upon an Academy Player’s registration terminating by virtue of the provisions of Rule 288.2, the League shall provide him with a
copy of Form YD7 or YD10 as evidence thereof. 312. Costs ordered to be paid as aforesaid shall be recoverable:

Scholarships 312.1 in the case of a Club, under the provisions of Article 47; or
312.2 in the case of an Academy Player, as a civil debt.
295. From the 1 July between his Under 13 and Under 14 year and in any event on or before 31 December in his Under 16 year, a Club may
offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player whose registration it holds. Further Appeal

296. Failure by a Club to honour any offer of a scholarship notified to the League in accordance with Rule 299 without reasonable cause 313. Within 14 days of a decision of the Board given under the provisions of Rule 309 either party may by notice in writing appeal against
shall render that Club liable to disciplinary action pursuant to Section 8 of the League’s Regulations. such decision to the League Appeals Committee in accordance with Regulations 74, whose decision shall be final.

297. A Club may likewise offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who is seeking Approaches by and to Clubs and Inducements
registration under the provisions of Rule 287.
314. A Club shall not, either directly or indirectly, make any approach to or communicate with:
298. A Club which operates a Category 4 Academy may only offer to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with: 314.1 an Academy Player registered with another Club (or club); or
298.1 anyone who is not an Academy Player; or 314.2 a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registration agreement which remains current.
298.2 an Academy Player in age group Under 16 who is seeking registration under the provisions of Rule 287,
315. A public statement made by an Official of or Intermediary for a Club expressing interest in an Academy Player whose registration is
but only on or after 1 January in his Under 16 Year. held by another Club (or club) or a player with whom another Club (or club) has entered into a pre-registration agreement which
remains current shall be deemed for the purpose of Rule 314 to be an indirect approach in breach of that Rule.
299. Any offer made under the provisions of Rules 295, 297 or 298 shall be in Form 33, a copy of which shall be sent to the League by the
Club making the offer within five days of it being made. In addition, any offer of scholarship to a player registered with a club not 316. Except as permitted by Rules 285, 286, 287 and 300 an Academy Player whose registration is held by a Club shall not, either directly
in membership of the League or Premier League shall be sent to the League by the Club within five days of such offer being made. or indirectly, make any approach to another Club (or club).

300. An Academy Player receiving an offer in Form 33 shall respond thereto within 28 days by completing and submitting to the Club 317. Except that a Club may, not earlier than 1 November next following the commencement of his Under 16 year, offer an Academy
making the offer Form 34, a copy of which shall be sent to the League by the Club within five days of receipt. An Academy Player Player a contract as a Contract Player upon his attaining the age of 17 years and subject to Rules 264 and 295:
who does not accept the offer shall be at liberty after the first Saturday in June following his Under 16 year to seek registration at
any other Club (or club). 317.1 no Club shall induce or attempt to induce a player to become registered as an Academy Player by that Club by offering
him, or any person connected with him, either directly or indirectly, a benefit or payment of any description whether in
301. An Academy Player who fails to respond as required by Rule 300 shall be deemed to have not accepted the offer. cash or in kind;
317.2 no Club shall likewise induce or attempt to induce an Academy Player to enter into a Scholarship Agreement and
302. A Club may enter into a Scholarship Agreement with an Academy Player if:
in particular no Club shall pay or offer to pay to an Academy Player upon his entering into a Scholarship Agreement
302.1 it holds his registration; or remuneration in excess of the remuneration referred to in Rule 303.1; and
302.2 his registration is not held by another Club (or club); and 317.3 no Academy Player shall, either directly or indirectly, accept any such inducement.
302.3 (except in the case of an Academy Player who has entered into a Scholarship Agreement with another Club (or club)
which has been cancelled by mutual agreement) he is under the age of 18 years; and
302.4 the Scholarship Agreement commences no earlier than the last Friday in June in the academic year in which the Academy
Player reaches the age of 16.

303. An Academy Player who enters into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall be:
303.1 entitled to receive such remuneration as shall be determined by the Board from time to time; and
303.2 required to complete his Education Programme (as defined in the Scholarship Agreement).

304. The registration of an Academy Player who enters into a Scholarship Agreement with a Club shall be effected by completion of and
submission to the League of Football Association Form G(4), signed on behalf of the Club by an Authorised Signatory, together
with copies of the Academy Player’s Scholarship Agreement, the initial duration of which must not exceed two years, and by such
evidence as the League may require to demonstrate that the Academy Player may take up employment in the United Kingdom.

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FACILITIES 326. Indoor area for training and the playing of matches
Note: ideally a Club’s indoor facility should be located at its principal venue for the coaching of Academy Players and any new facility
must be located at the principal venue. It is accepted, however, that a number of Clubs have existing indoor facilities which are
Facilities located elsewhere, or that it may be impossible for a Club’s indoor facility to be located at its principal venue for planning reasons.
In such cases, where the Board is satisfied that the Club’s indoor facility may be located other than at its principal venue, there
318. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that:
shall also be a requirement that the Rules relating to the maximum travel time from an Academy Player’s residence to the coaching
318.1 it provides as a minimum the facilities and accommodation set out in Rules 320 to 331; and venue are complied with.
318.2 if it operates a Category 1 Academy, such facilities and accommodation are available for the exclusive use of its Academy
Categories 1 One indoor Artificial Surface pitch measuring a minimum of 60 yards by 40 yards which shall be owned by
at all times when it requires access to them in order to comply with these Rules.
and 2 the Club (or alternatively the Club must have a legally enforceable agreement with the owner of the facility
319. Save where otherwise indicated, or with the permission of the Board, the facilities and accommodation set out in Rules 320 to 331 for its use by the Club, expiring not earlier than the end of the current Season) and which shall be for the
shall be provided at the Club’s principal venue for the coaching and education of Academy Players. exclusive use of the Academy at all times. (Note: an indoor pitch which complies with the size requirements
set out in Regulation 13 is recommended).
320. Grass pitches Categories 3 Access to one indoor pitch measuring 60 yards by 40 yards during the months of November to April.
and 4 Alternatively, the pitch may measure 30 yards by 20 yards but if so the Club shall only be permitted to coach
Category 1 a) sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games the following maximum numbers of Academy Players at any one time:
Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes) to enable the
Age groups Under 9 to Under 14 inclusive: 18 in each age group
Club to play all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its commitments under these Rules as
regards coaching; Age groups Under 15 and Under 16 inclusive: 15 in each age group

b) one floodlit grass pitch enclosed with perimeter fencing and with designated areas for spectator Age groups Under 17 to Under 21 inclusive: 12 in each age group
attendance (save that if a Club is unable to obtain planning permission for floodlighting then the
requirement for floodlighting shall be waived); and 327. Changing rooms and washing facilities
c) a designated area (on grass) for the coaching of goalkeepers.
Categories 1 a) suitably-sized changing rooms equal in number to the number of teams (including visiting teams)
Categories 2 a) a sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games to 4 playing at the Academy at any one time so that each such team has exclusive use of a changing room.
and 3 Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes) to enable the
b) a sufficient number of washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the exclusive use of all
Club to play all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its commitments under these Rules as
registered Academy Players;
regards coaching; and
c) a sufficient number of separate washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the use of visiting
b) a designated area for the coaching of goalkeepers.
teams;
Category 4 a) a sufficient number of grass pitches of the appropriate sizes (as required by the Rules relating to Games d) a sufficient number of separate changing rooms and washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality,
Programmes and with goals sized as required by the Rules relating to Games Programmes) to enable the for the exclusive use of Match Officials (with separate male and female facilities in the case of Category
Club to play all its matches in the Games Programmes and fulfil its commitments under these Rules as 1 and Category 2 Academies only, with appropriate arrangements made at Category 3 and Category 4
regards coaching; and Academies to facilitate the changing requirements of both male and female Match Officials); and
b) a designated area (on grass) for the coaching of goalkeepers. e) (in the case of Category 1 and Category 2 Academies only) a sufficient number of changing rooms
and washing and toilet facilities, of a suitable quality, for the exclusive use of therapists and coaches
321. Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to maintain each grass pitch used by its Academy at all times when such pitches are employed at the Academy and other relevant Academy Staff;
required by the Academy for matches or coaching.
328. Team meeting room
322. The League shall inspect the Academy grass pitches of each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy at least twice
a year, and of each Club which operates a Category 3 Academy from time to time.
Categories 1 A dedicated room large enough to hold 20 people and equipped with individual desks (one per Person),
323. Each Club shall take such steps as the Board may require if the Board is not satisfied that a pitch is being maintained to an adequate to 4 audio/visual projection equipment and a large screen, internet access and computers.
standard.
329. Guest lounge
324. Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 321, each Club shall ensure that the quality of its pitches used for matches in the Games
Programme is not adversely affected by coaching taking place on them. Categories 1 A guest lounge for the use of Parents at each training session and match that is open to Parents. The guest
to 4 lounge shall be large enough to hold 50 people and have access to refreshments and toilet facilities.
325. Artificial Surface pitch
Note: in Category 3 and 4 Academies, this room may also be used as the team meeting room described in Rule
328 provided that it is large enough.
Categories 1 One floodlit outdoor Artificial Surface pitch (save that if a Club is unable to obtain planning permission
and 2 for floodlighting then the requirement for floodlighting shall be waived). It is recommended (and
mandatory with effect from 1 July 2016) that this pitch measures 105 metres in length and 68 metres in 330. Match analysis suite
breadth, unless otherwise permitted by the League.
Categories 1 A room large enough to hold 20 people and equipped with such appropriate video and IT technology as is
Categories 3 Access to one floodlit outdoor Artificial Surface pitch (which need not be at the principal venue).
and 2 necessary to undertake, and present the results of, Performance Analysis. If the facility is shared with the
and 4
professional squad, access for the Academy sufficient for its purposes needs to be clearly demonstrated.
Categories 3 A match analysis suite is recommended but not mandatory.
and 4

331. Medical facilities

Such medical facilities as the Club requires to deliver its Sports Science and Medicine / Performance Support Programme.

332. Administration office space

Categories 1 a) such office space and access to IT, email and the internet as each member of Academy Staff requires in
to 4 order to perform the responsibilities set out in their job description; and
b) a private meeting room.

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333. Academy Player accommodation FINANCE AND EXPENSES

Categories 1 Sufficient and adequate accommodation for all registered Academy Players and Trialists under the age
Finance
to 4 of 18 not residing with their Parent(s). Clubs shall comply with any guidelines about Academy Player
accommodation published by the League from time to time and with all applicable legal requirements in 335. Each Club which operates an Academy shall by 1 July in each year submit to the League its budgeted Academy Financial Information
relation to the provision of such accommodation. for its Academy for the following season.
Such accommodation shall be located in as close proximity as is reasonably practicable to the Club’s principal
venue for the coaching and education of Academy Players and to the place at which Academy Players 336. Each Club which operates an Academy shall by 1 September in each year submit to the League its actual Academy Financial
undertake their education (if this is not the principal venue). Information for its Academy for the previous season together with the budgeted Academy Financial Information for that season.

337. The Academy Financial Information required by Rule 335 shall be submitted in the format required by the League.
334. Classrooms
338. The League may, at its discretion, require (and the Club shall deliver) such further information and explanations as it deems fit in
Category 1 A minimum of three classrooms which shall each: connection with the Academy Financial Information submitted by the Club pursuant to Rules 335 and 337.
• contain sufficient desks for 20 students; 339. The League shall have the power to obtain an independent audit of a Club’s Academy Financial Information submitted pursuant to
• contain 20 electronic devices with access to the internet; and these Rules.

• conform in all respects with any requirements for classrooms issued by the Department for Education. 340. Each Club’s Academy Financial Information shall be assessed by the Board in order to determine whether to award to the Club a
Category 2 A minimum of two classrooms which shall each: grant from the Professional Youth Game Fund.

• contain sufficient desks for 20 students; and 341. Each Club which operates an Academy must comply with the minimum funding requirements as communicated by the League from
time to time.
• contain 20 computers with internet access.
At least one of the classrooms must conform in all respects with any requirements for classrooms issued by Expenses
the Department for Education.
342. Without prejudice to Rules 314 to 317, each Club that operates an Academy shall be permitted to reimburse Academy Players and
Categories 3 Access for Academy Players and Trialists to a study area large enough to hold 20 people and which contains at their Parent(s) for actual expenses legitimately incurred as a direct result of the Academy Player’s participation in the activities of
and 4 least 20 electronic devices with internet access. the Academy, in accordance with such guidance as is issued by the League to Clubs from time to time.

343. Without prejudice to Rules 314 to 317, no payment of any kind may be made by a Club to an Academy Player or his Parent(s) (whether
directly or indirectly) outside the terms of the guidance issued by the Board in accordance with Rule 342, without the express prior
consent of the League.

344. Each Club that operates an Academy shall submit to the League:
344.1 by 1 July in each year, its Academy Expenses Policy for the upcoming season; and
344.2 by 1 September in each year, its Academy Expenses Information.

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COMPENSATION 354. In Rule 353:

354.1 the “applicable annual fixed training costs” means the sums set out in the table in Rule 355 referable to:
Compensation
354.1.1 the age group of the Academy Player during any year that he was registered with the Training Club; and
345. The registration of an Academy Player at an Academy shall impose an obligation on the applicant Club or Premier League club (“the 354.1.2 the Category of the Training Club’s Academy during that year; and
Applicant Club”) to pay compensation for the training and development of that Academy Player to any Club, Premier League club
354.2 the “applicable number of years” means the number of years for which the Academy Player was registered for the
or Former Football League Club (in respect of such period as that club were a member of the Football League) which previously held
Training Club (subject to Rule 362).
his registration (the “Training Club”) provided that:
345.1 the Training Club had indicated in Form 30 (or, in the case of a Premier League club, the equivalent Premier League form) 355. The applicable annual fixed training costs by reference to the age group of the Academy Player and the Category of Academy are
its intention to retain the Academy Player’s registration; as follows:

345.2 the Training Club had offered to enter into a Scholarship Agreement pursuant to Rule 295 with the Academy Player;
Age group of the Academy Player Category 1 Category 2 Category 3
345.3 the Academy Player sought registration at the Applicant Club because he had moved residence outside the permitted
Under 9 £5,000 £5,000 £5,000
travelling time from his last Training Club;
Under 10 £10,000 £8,750 £7,500
345.4 save where Rule 287 applies, the Training Club and Academy Player mutually agreed to terminate the Academy Player’s
registration pursuant to Rule 288.2 and agreed that the Training Club should retain the right to receive compensation Under 11 £15,000 £12,500 £10,000
should the Academy Player sign for another Club (or club); or
Under 12 £45,000 £30,000 £15,000
345.5 the Board has made a determination to that effect pursuant to Rule 293; and
Under 13 £60,000 £40,000 £20,000
345.6 in all the above cases, the Training Club held a valid licence to operate an Academy in accordance with these Rules (or
to operate a Football Academy or Centre of Excellence in accordance with the Rules pertaining to youth development Under 14 to £80,000 £50,000 £25,000
which these Rules replaced). Under 16 (per year) (per year) (per year)

346. The obligation in Rule 345 to pay compensation to a Former Football League Club shall not apply in the following circumstances: 356. The contingent compensation referred to in Rule 352 shall consist of:
346.1 the registration of an Academy Player is released from a Former Football League Club in accordance with Rule 289.2; or 356.1 appearance fees calculated by reference to the number of First Team Appearances made by the Academy Player for the
346.2 the Former Football League Club ceases to operate an Academy in accordance with these Rules. Applicant Club or any other Club or Premier League club for whom the Academy Player subsequently becomes registered
(including, with effect from the commencement of Season 2015/16 only, by way of a Temporary Transfer or other loan)
347. Subject to Rule 348, where the Applicant Club is in both a lower division and has an Academy of lower Category than the Training and to the divisional status of the relevant Club as set out in the table in Rule 358;
Club as at the time that the Academy Player joins it, the obligation in Rule 345 to pay compensation shall be varied as follows:
356.2 subject to Rule 357, appearance fees shall be calculated up to a maximum of 100 First Team Appearances;
347.1 where the Academy Player is registered with the Applicant Club within 12 months of his being registered to the Training
356.3 if the Academy Player’s registration is transferred prior to his twenty-third birthday to a club affiliated to a national
Club, the Applicant Club shall be obliged to pay the contingent compensation (referred to in Rule 352) but not any initial
association other than the Football Association (save for any Welsh club which is a member of the League, the Premier
training costs fee (as referred to in Rule 352); or
League or the National Division of the National League), 20% of any Compensation Fee, Loan Fee and Contingent Sum
347.2 where the Academy Player is registered with the Applicant Club in circumstances where at least 12 months have elapsed that the Applicant Club receives which is in excess of:
since he was registered as an Academy Player with any Club or club, there shall be no obligation on the Applicant Club to
356.3.1 any amounts of training compensation and/or solidarity payment paid to the Applicant Club and the Training
pay any compensation (whether by way of initial training costs fee or contingent compensation).
Club pursuant to the FIFA Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players; and
348. Where Rule 347 applies and the Academy Player subsequently ends his registration with the Applicant Club and registers as an 356.3.2 the actual sum (if any) paid by the Applicant Club to the Training Club to acquire the Academy Player’s
Academy Player at another Academy which is either operated by a Club in the same or a higher division or is an Academy of the same registration;
or higher Category than the original Training Club (the “Further Club”), the Further Club shall be obliged to pay compensation
356.4 5% of all Compensation Fees, Transfer Fees, Loan Fees and Contingent Sums paid in respect of all future transfers of the
(both to the initial training costs fee and contingent compensation) to the original Training Club in respect of the Academy Player’s
Academy Player’s registration (whether permanent or temporary) to Clubs (or clubs) in membership of the League, the
time at that club, in accordance with the provisions of Rules 347 and 348.
Premier League or the National Division of the National League;
349. The amount of compensation referred to in Rule 345 shall be: 356.5 5% of all Loan Fees and Contingent Sums paid in respect of all future transfers on loan to a club affiliated to a national
349.1 such sum as shall be due pursuant to this section of the Rules; or association other than the Football Association (save for any Welsh club which is a member of the League, The Football
League or the National Division of the National League.
349.2 as regards the compensation payable by the Applicant Club to the most recent Training Club, such sum as shall have
been agreed between them. 357. For the purposes of calculating the contingent compensation referred to in Rule 352, First Team Appearances made in excess
of 100 and up to a maximum of 200 (the “Additional Appearances”) will result in contingent compensation being payable in
350. Rules 352 to 363 govern the compensation due in respect of an Academy Player who is in, or about to enter, any age group between circumstances where one or more of a Player’s Additional Appearances are played for a Club (or clubs) in a higher division than one
Under 9 and Under 16 at the time when he is first registered with the Applicant Club save for an Academy Player to whom Rule 351.2 or more of the Player’s first 100 First Team Appearances. In such circumstances the Additional Appearances will be treated as if
applies. they had formed part of the Player’s first 100 First Team Appearances, with the result that an additional compensation fee will be
due which is equal to any difference in the compensation paid in respect of the Player’s first 100 First Team Appearances and any
351. In default of agreement between the Applicant Club and the Academy Player’s most recent Training Club, the Professional Football Additional Appearances of a higher value (starting with the lowest compensated appearance).
Compensation Committee shall (in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 4 of the Regulations) determine the compensation
payable to the latter in respect of an Academy Player: 358. The appearance fees referred to in Rule 356.1 are as follows:
351.1 who is in any age group between Under 17 and Under 21 when he is registered for the Applicant Club; or 358.1 Premier League: £30,000;
351.2 to whom the Training Club made an offer of a Scholarship Agreement pursuant to Rule 295. 358.2 EFL Championship: £2,500;

352. The compensation due in respect of an Academy Player to whom Rule 350 applies shall consist of an initial training costs fee payable 358.3 EFL League One: £500; and
to the most recent Training Club (and to be paid within seven days of the Academy Player being registered for the Applicant Club) 358.4 EFL League Two: £250.
and contingent compensation as is payable to all qualifying Training Clubs in accordance with these Rules.

353. The initial training costs fee referred to in Rule 352 shall be calculated by:
353.1 multiplying the applicable annual fixed training costs calculated in accordance with Rule 354 by the applicable number
of years; and
353.2 adding thereto any initial fee (capped at such sum as would have been payable when calculated in accordance with this
section of the Rules) paid by the most recent Training Club when it acquired the registration of the Academy Player.

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359. In respect of Rule 356:

APPENDIX A
359.1 “First Team Appearance” means: CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCOUTS
359.1.1 an appearance either in the starting eleven or as a playing substitute in a first team fixture in the Premier
League, the EFL Championship and EFL Leagues 1 and 2 (including play-offs), the EFL Cup, the FA Cup, the EFL The function of a Scout is to identify to their Club players with whom that Club may wish to enter into negotiations with a view to securing their
Trophy, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Europa Conference League, the UEFA Europa League or the UEFA registration. Scouts are not themselves entitled to enter into any such negotiations nor are they able to make promises to or offer inducements to
Champions League; and any players whom they approach.
359.1.2 where a player is subject to a Temporary Transfer or other loan from a Club or Football League club to a foreign Scouts are employed by and represent their Clubs and are Officials within the meaning of the Regulations of the League by which they are bound.
club, an appearance for a foreign club in league or domestic cup competition, the FIFA Club World Cup or the
UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Europa League or the UEFA Champions League; Scouts must therefore be familiar with the Regulations and in particular these Rules relating to Youth Development. They must maintain an
awareness of and at all times comply with the Regulations and Rules setting out the circumstances in which their Club may make an approach to a
359.2 the contingent compensation shall be payable upon the earlier of: Player or Academy Player (as defined in the Regulations) whose registration is held by another football club.
359.2.1 every 10 First Team Appearances played by the Player; When acting in the course of their duties a Scout shall at all times carry the formal means of identification issued to them by their Club and shall
359.2.2 the end of each Season; or produce the same upon demand.

359.2.3 the termination (whether by effluxion of time, cancellation, transfer or otherwise) of the Academy Player’s Scouts are responsible for the conduct of their contacts and shall be liable for any act or omission by a contact which constitutes a breach of the
registration at a Club (or Premier League Club). Regulations.

For the avoidance of doubt, in the event of a termination of an Academy Player’s registration, the obligation to pay Scouts shall conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as Officials of their Clubs and shall take all possible steps to promote the reputation
future sums pursuant to that Rule shall transfer to any new Club (or Premier League club) for whom the Academy Player of the game of association football and to prevent it being brought into disrepute.
subsequently becomes registered; and A Scout shall forthwith disclose to their Club the nature and extent of any direct or indirect interest they may have in any transaction or arrangement
359.3 “Compensation Fee”, “Transfer Fee”, “Loan Fee” and “Contingent Sum” shall be interpreted to exclude compensation involving their Club and they shall account to the Club for any benefit which either directly or indirectly they derive therefrom.
payable pursuant to Rule 345. A Scout shall conduct themselves at all times in an ethical and professional manner and shall observe the highest standards of integrity and fair
dealing.
360. Reference in Rules 356 and 359 to the transfer or termination of an Academy Player’s registration shall be interpreted to include
transfers or terminations of his registration after he has ceased to be an Academy Player and Clubs who subsequently sign the
Academy Player shall be bound to comply with Rules 356.1 and 356.4 and for the avoidance of doubt the original Applicant Club shall
not be liable to the Training Club in respect of:
360.1 any appearance fees payable pursuant to Rule 356.1 and due in respect of appearances made by the Academy Player after
he has ceased to be permanently registered for the Applicant Club; or
360.2 sums payable pursuant to Rule 356.3 and 356.4 arising from transfers in respect of which the Applicant Club was not the
Transferor Club.

361. Any agreement between a Club and another Club (or club) as to the compensation payable on the transfer of a registration,
whether pursuant to Rule 349.2 or otherwise, may not take effect so as to vary the contingent compensation payable pursuant to
this section of the Rules to any other Club (or Premier League club).

362. If an Academy Player has spent part only of any year at the Training Club, the amount of compensation in respect of that year shall
be calculated pro rata (taking into account whether or not the Training Club’s Academy was operational or not during the Close
Season or any part of it).

363. If the Academy Player has been registered for a Training Club for part only of the period between the start of his Under 9 year to the
conclusion of his Under 16 year, the amount of contingent compensation payable to that Training Club calculated in accordance
with these Rules shall be paid pro rata to the Training Club.

364. The compensation set by the Professional Football Compensation Committee in respect of an Academy Player to whom Rule 351
applies shall be determined in accordance with the Committee’s Regulations (set out at Appendix 4 of the Regulations).

365. The new registration of a Contract Player under Regulation 61 shall impose an obligation on the Club next holding his registration to
pay to the former Club (or club) compensation for the training and development of that Player if the Club (or club):
365.1 had held that Player’s registration as an Academy Player;
365.2 had offered to enter into a Scholarship Agreement with him which offer he had not accepted; or
365.3 had entered into a Scholarship Agreement with him and either:
365.3.1 the Scholarship Agreement had been terminated at the Player’s request; or
365.3.2 in accordance with the terms thereof the former Club (or club) had offered him a contract as a Contract Player
which offer he had not accepted.

366. The amount of compensation payable pursuant to Rule 365 shall be:
366.1 such sum as shall have been agreed between the applicant Club (or club) and the former Club; or
366.2 such sum as the Professional Football Compensation Committee on the application of either Club (or club) shall
determine pursuant to Rule 364.

367. Any agreement between Clubs or between a Club and a Premier League club or Former Football League Club as to the amount of
compensation payable shall be in writing, and a copy provided to the League within five days of being entered into.

368. All compensation (including instalments thereof and contingent sums) payable to a Club, Premier League or a League Club shall be
paid by the Applicant Club into the Transfer Fee Account.

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APPENDIX B
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CLUBS, ACADEMY PLAYERS AND THEIR PARENT(S)
(Youth Development Rule 214)

The following Code applies to each Club, Academy Player registered on EFL Form YD4 and their Parent(s) and sets out the standards expected of
each party. By signing this Code, each party agrees to abide by it, and any breach of this Code (as determined by the English Football League) may
be deemed a breach of Youth Development Rule 214.
1. THE CLUB AGREES TO:
(a) provide a safe and inclusive environment in which the Academy Player can learn and develop free from abuse, bullying, mistreatment
and discrimination in any form;
(b) ensure all Staff receive regular safeguarding training approved by the Club’s Designated Safeguarding Officer and have been subject to
safer recruitment procedures;
(c) protect the welfare of the Academy Player, including their mental and emotional wellbeing;
(d) ensure medical screening, monitoring and support for the Academy Player;
(e) provide a structured football learning programme, appropriate to the age, ability and growth of the Academy Player;
(f) provide participation in football matches arranged or approved by the EFL as part of the Games Programme;
(g) provide trained and qualified coaching and other staff and facilities as determined by the Youth Development Rules;
(h) provide guidelines to the Academy Player and Parent(s) on the best ways for them to contribute to the Academy Player’s football and
personal development;
(i) provide compensatory education and support (in consultation with the Academy Player’s Parent(s) and school) for the continued
academic and personal development of the Academy Player which, appropriate to their educational needs and training model;
(j) provide regular communication and reports to the Academy Player and Parent(s) on their progress;
(k) provide any additional code of conduct and/or rules for its Academy
2. THE ACADEMY PLAYER AGREES TO:
(a) attend the Academy regularly and punctually, behave with self-discipline and give notice of and reasons for any absence;
(b) practise the techniques and skills taught by the Academy and attempt to apply them in matches;
(c) maintain their academic progression and attainment;
(d) follow a lifestyle appropriate to development – spending leisure time positively; eating, drinking, relaxing and sleeping sensibly;
(e) communicate with the Academy staff, keeping them informed about any matters affecting them;
(f) never engage in abusive, bullying, violent or discriminatory behaviour in any form, including whilst online; and
(g) adhere to any code of conduct issued by the Club and/or any rules for its Academy.
3. THE PARENT(S) AGREE TO:
(a) support the Academy Player to meet targets, including this Code and any code of conduct issued separately by the Club and/or any rules
for its Academy;
(b) support the Academy Player without pressure, praise good work and refrain from criticising lapses;
PP
(c) set a good example to the Academy Player;
(d) not approach or engage in communication, either directly or indirectly, with another Academy whilst the Academy Player is registered
with an Academy, save as permitted by the Youth Development Rules;
(e) communicate with the Academy staff to resolve any issues of concern and to keep them informed about any matters affecting the
Academy Player;
(f) adhere to any code of conduct issued by the Club and/or any rules for its Academy.
We, the undersigned, agree to the Code of Conduct

[Signature blocks for Club, Player and Parent(s)]

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