Derby County FC runs a category 1 academy based in East Midlands. They have a strong youth development program that nurtures young talent.
The academy’s goal is to develop talented young footballers with the potential to join the first team, emphasizing a purposeful passing style of play and focusing on both technical and tactical skills.
The Derby County academy X (Formerly Twitter) handle is @dcfcacademy
Derby County’s Under-21s will make Long Eaton United their home venue from the start of the 2026/27 season after the clubs agreed a three-year partnership.
The arrangement will see the young Rams play their home fixtures with the Blues through to the end of the 2028/29 campaign.
A proud 2024/25 season for the Derby County Academy:
- U18 Premier League Cup Semi-Finals
Derby County will implement a B Team structure ahead of the 2025/26 season, designed to operate as an extension of the First Team environment.
The Rams’ B Team will compete in the Central League and the Derbyshire Senior Cup, in addition to playing various friendly matches.
Meanwhile, the Under-21s will remain active in Premier League 2 and the Premier League Cup.
Derby County Academy Staff News
14th September 2025
Youth Development Week runs from 12–19 September 2025, celebrating talent across the Championship, League One, and League Two.
Since moving to Pride Park in 1997, Derby County has seen 76 Academy players progress to make competitive first-team debuts.
3rd June 2026
Derby County is pleased to confirm the appointment of Jamie Smith as the club’s Academy Manager.
Having taken on the role in an interim capacity in December 2025 following the departure of Matt Hale, Smith has impressed with his leadership and commitment to the development of the club’s young players.
Long Eaton
Derby NG10 2EF
United Kingdom