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Video: Wolves retain Category One status

Wolves have received a boost after the club's academy retained its Category One status.

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A recent audit has seen the academy awarded with a new three-year licence and confirmed its standing as one of the best in the country.

The club first achieved the mark back in 2012 following the introduction of the Premier League's Elite Performance Plan (EPPP).

It's aimed at improving the quality and quantity of homegrown players produced by top English clubs.

Academies were then audited for the standard of facilities and the quality of the provision given to scholars, with four different tiers in place.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We are thrilled to receive a renewal of the Category One accreditation licence for the next three years.

"This three year endorsement, the highest any club can receive, is testament to the outstanding work being carried out by everyone involved in the Wolves Academy.

"Youth development is at the very heart of what we do here, with total commitment from the board, through the head coach to all the Academy staff and, of course, the players themselves."

Kevin Thelwell, the club's head of football development and recruitment, praised the work of academy boss Gareth Prosser and his team.

He said: "They have put in a tremendous amount of work over the last three years, which has led to the outstanding development of our young players.

"It's something which Kenny (Jackett, boss) and the first-team coaches have continued to develop further.

"I'm delighted for them that after a rigorous and independent assessment, these efforts have resulted in the highest academy rating possible.

"In fact, the Premier League has told us that the Wolves Academy achieved a 'high level' in terms of overall results and scoring across the different criteria.

"That's compared to a number of other clubs securing Category One status. This places Wolves as one of the 'best of the best' in youth development.

"It's something that should be a great source of pride for our staff, players and supporters.

Academy boss Prosser added: "We have managed to improve our standards in line with these changes to receive a renewal of the top status possible.

"It is now very important that we don't sit back and become complacent. We will continue to strive to improve even further and compete with the very best, or indeed be ahead of the very best clubs in youth development.

"I'd like to thank all the Academy's sponsors, particularly the University of Wolverhampton, Bob Laslett and Total Fleet and, of course, our education partners as well."

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