Running from 18-24 March, the EFL’s Youth Development Week launches today with latest figures showing that EFL Academy-developed players have made over 3,000 appearances across the Championship, League One and League Two so far this season.
From producing players for their own first team, providing opportunities for the best young talent from the Premier League, to helping England and their age group sides to prosper, the latest statistics highlight the crucial role being played by EFL Clubs in creating the next generation of players.
Players Appearances in the First Team
In total, those players have made 3,396 appearances, enjoying a total of 213,021 minutes on the pitch.
EFL Clubs have also continued to give valuable playing time to young players from Premier League sides, with 200 players having enjoyed a loan spell in the EFL, making 2,278 appearances so far this season.
Many EFL players are now on international duty.
In the 2023/24 campaign, 147 players aged 21 or younger represented their country at senior or age-group level, highlighting the vital role EFL clubs and competitions play in youth development.
Of the full England squad named by Gareth Southgate for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, the players had made 1,815 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two between them.
Current EFL Academies developed 12 players, while 17 others made their debuts in EFL competitions.
These results build on 2022/23 which saw EFL Clubs hand debuts to 161 players across the three divisions, with Academy developed players making over 5,000 appearances across the three divisions.
Importance of Developing Home Talent
Further key stats highlighting the EFL’s importance to developing home-grown talent include:
In the Championship, Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City have led the way with almost 30% of their player minutes coming from Academy graduates
Academy graduates make up 40% of Shaun Maloney’s Wigan Athletic squad, contributing over 13,000 minutes of playing time in League One.
In League Two, more than 20 homegrown players have driven Crewe Alexandra’s promotion push this season.
The EFL will have at least one Club in the 2023/24 FA Youth Cup Final with Millwall set to take on Leeds United in the semi-finals while Bristol City face Manchester City
In Cup competitions in 2022/23, 74 players made their professional debut in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, while 26 players were handed their first professional appearances in the Carabao Cup
EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch, said:
“With many top players having started their careers at EFL Clubs and Academies, the EFL is vital to the football pyramid.
“Developing home grown players not only remains core to the funding model of our Clubs, but fans love nothing more than watching young players compete for their Club reinforcing strong bonds to the local community.
“Whether they progress through the Academies or are emerging Premier League talent playing in our competitions, the EFL’s continued value lies in providing these players with vital experience at a young age standing them in great stead for their future careers whether that be in the EFL, Premier League or outside the game.”
League Football Education (LFE)
As well as developing young footballers capable of making it in the professional game, the EFL works alongside League Football Education (LFE) who operate the Scholarship programme and oversee all education within EFL Clubs.
LFE, recently rated Outstanding in their latest OFSTED report, ensure that players receive an education which provides them with future options both within and beyond the game.
The programme is widely regarded as a great success, with scholarship players achieving GCSE results above the national average.
Darren Wassall – Head of Youth Development
The EFL’s work in Youth Development is led by Head of Youth Development, Darren Wassall, who joined the League in 2023, after 14 years as Academy Director at Derby County.
Wassall has created a number of new initiatives during his short time in the role, including the introduction of an Under 10 Futsal competition for Academy Clubs, and said the groundswell of English talent is largely thanks to the 72 Member Clubs.
Wassall, said: “The support the EFL and our Clubs provides the national teams in England is evident, from the players now featuring regularly for Gareth Southgate’s senior international side to the success enjoyed by the England’s age group categories.
“Of Lee Carsley’s side that won the European Under 21 Championships in 2023, 19 of the 23 had come through an EFL Academy, enjoyed a loan spell at an EFL Club or were currently playing for an EFL Club.
One of EFL’s Main Strategic Aims
“One of the EFL’s main strategic aims is to help create more additional playing opportunities for young home-grown players, and the commitment from EFL Clubs to invest substantially into their own Youth Development remains key.”
Throughout the rest of Youth Development Week, the League will celebrate the success stories of young players across the country.
It will also highlight the Academies that are shaping the next generation of English football.
