The level of investment by Football League clubs in youth development continues to flourish, with the annual cost of identifying and coaching the young stars of the future now standing at more than £40m, a figure that is more than four times the level of grant funding available to clubs last season.

Of that figure, the majority (£30m) is being spent directly on developing young talent in the 8 -18 age group, with most of that money being spent on training and coaching. There are now more than 1,200 qualified coaches now working in clubs' youth development programmes.

Football League Chief Operating Officer Andy Williamson says "Football League clubs are making a massive contribution, out of their own pockets, to the future of the English game.

"Never before have we seen such an extensive financial commitment from across the professional game to nurturing the next generation of young footballers.

Of the remaining £10m invested by clubs, half is directed through League Football Education on continuing players' academic education, whilst the remaining half recognises that player development does not finish at the age of 18. As Williamson points out, "The majority of first year professionals will not be ready for first-team football immediately but League clubs continue to fund their development via reserve team football until they reach that point.

"Additionally, through the loan system our clubs are giving young players on the books of Premier League clubs the opportunity to experience professional football for the first time. This can only be good for their overall development and the game as a whole."