Derby County’s Academy is to continue to hold Category One status following a positive audit during the 2022/23 season.
Category One is the highest ranking for Academy set-ups and it is a title the Rams have held for nine years.
To retain the Category One licence, the club was re-audited by Premier League officials last season and has once again achieved the relevant requirements and positive feedback.
Several different factors are considered in the grading, including productivity rates, training facilities, coaching, education and welfare provisions, player care and safeguarding - with the Academy scoring excellent marks throughout.
The Academy has built a strong reputation in recent years and the club’s aim, under the ownership of Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd, is to build on those excellent foundations in both the short and long term.
Derby’s Under-21, Under-18 & Under-16 sides will continue to compete in the Premier League of their respective age groups and cup competitions while players are able to be registered from the Under-9 age group right through to professionals.
Chief Executive Officer Stephen Pearce said: “We are delighted and proud to have achieved Category One status for Derby County’s Academy once again.
“I would like to congratulate and praise all the staff that played their part in ensuring we secured the licence to continue to operate our Academy at the highest level.
“We received some extremely encouraging feedback from the audit where we can maintain best practice and also continue to improve and evolve as individuals and collectively so we can continue to offer the best possible environment for our young players.”
