West Brom academy awarded category one status

Albion have operated at the top category one status since the Elite Player Performance Plan was introduced by the Premier League in 2012.

But they were granted only a one-year licence extension, rather than the usual three, following an inspection early last year and the club has since made the necessary improvements required to keep its status.

The audit assessed four key functions of the academy – games programme, education, coaching and elite performance. Maintaining category one status ensures the club’s development teams - including its U18 and U21 sides - will continue to play in Premier League youth competitions until at least the summer of 2025.

The academy is also allowed to recruit players from further afield, while they also get more compensation should players leave.

Albion academy boss Richard Stevens said: “Category One is the benchmark all academies strive for, and I’m delighted our performance is deemed by the Premier League to be up there with the very best clubs in the country.

“I’d like to thank Ron Gourlay, Mark Miles and all of the staff involved in helping us to maintain this high standard, which has been the culmination of endless hard work.

“The club works tirelessly to continually improve its academy operation and to see our licence extended is fully deserved. Our players will continue to benefit from the programme, playing against the very best teams in the country, which is imperative for their development.

“Category One is the gold standard for football clubs and means players are provided with everything they need on and off the pitch, including our education provision which is essential for all players, no matter how long they stay in the game.

“Carlos Corberán is incredibly enthusiastic about the academy and is keen to develop our young players, who regularly train with the first team which is a great experience for them and invaluable to their development.

“The club will continue to do all it can to provide young players with the platform to become successful footballers, and I’m sure there are many players within our ranks who, providing they apply themselves properly, are equipped to take that step forwards into first-team football.”