The Football League Youth Development department was established in 1998 to administer and support the Football League Clubs to provide an holistic approach in the development of young elite football players with the potential of achieving a professional career in football.

The department has developed, progressed and grown over the years to become a strong dedicated team of staff who strive to provide high quality service and advice to Clubs, players and parents alike.

The Department's overall purpose is to support and assist its Clubs in raising standards at Schoolboy and Youth level for the Football League Academy and Centre of Excellence Programmes. The core values and objectives of the Youth Department are to provide a comprehensive monitoring and inspection structure based on agreed quality standards.We seek to provide fair and consistent consideration in all areas relating to Youth Development.

The department consist of:-

A Youth Development Business Manager who oversees all aspects of the department in particular the Youth Development Grant Aid Funding programme.

A Head of Player Development who oversees the technical side of the programme in particular Club's compliance with the Youth Rules and Regulations and the sharing of Best Practice.

5 Regional Officers who monitor the Football League Clubs Youth Development programmes and through a thorough reporting system provide assistance, support and guidance.

A Youth Co-ordinator who provides assistance and support to the Business Development Manager, Head of Player Development and the Youth Development Department as a whole.Assists with the clubs in the administration for the Youth Programme, co-ordinates the events and meetings throughout the season.

We fully support the principles of equal opportunities and are committed to ensuring that all bodies are treated fairly and on an equal basis, regardless of gender, disability or sexual identity.

Our aim is to assist Football League Clubs to produce high quality players for the professional game both at domestic and international level.