PREMIER LEAGUE

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES
GENERAL
Note: throughout this document binding Premier League Rules are shaded in light blue. Guidance and other
notes are also included for the assistance of Clubs. Such guidance and notes do not, however, form part of
the Rules.
Definitions
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 Premier League Rule A.1.
1. In this Section of the Rules the following terms shall have the following meanings:
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES
1.1. “Academy” means an establishment for the coaching and education of Academy Players
operated by a Club in accordance with the requirements of this Section of the Rules and
licensed by the PGB pursuant to Rule 18.
1.2. “Academy Doctor” means the Official referred to in Rule 103.
1.3. “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.
1.4. “Academy Management Team” has the meaning set out in Rule 57.
1.5. “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.
1.6. “Academy Performance Plan” means a document which sets out:
(a) 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 with the Club’s Vision Statement, Coaching Philosophy and Playing
Philosophy; and
(b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph a), how the Academy will deliver and
integrate its Coaching, Education, Games and Sports Science and Medicine Programmes.
1.7. “Academy Player” means a male player (other than an Amateur Player, Non-Contract
Player (in the Football 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
operates an Academy pursuant to these Rules, save for any player who:
(a) the Board is satisfied has developed technical, tactical, physical, psychological and social
skills of such a level that he would not benefit from continued coaching in the Academy
or participating or continuing to participate in its Games Programme; and
(b) has entered into a written contract of employment in Form 26 with that Club.
Guidance
It is emphasised that Academy Players aged 17 or older may no longer be classified as such only where the Board approves
an application by the Club in the light of all the circumstances relevant to the particular Academy Player and on such terms
as the Board considers appropriate.
The duties of a Club in relation to the provision of an Education Programme, Safeguarding and Welfare, Social Development
and Lifestyle Management continue.
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