CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21

 
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CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                

   CHARTER FOR
   ACADEMY PLAYERS
   AND PARENTS
   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
   PLAYERS’ AND PARENTS’ GUIDE
   SEASON 2020/21
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                             

ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
(EFL) STAFF CONTACTS                                                CONTACTS                                                            CONTENTS
EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (YD) DEPARTMENT                               EFL
                                                                                                                                        CHARTER
Youth Development Director                                          EFL House
Dave Wetherall T 07552 166367                                       10-12 West Cliff
                                                                                                                                        1   THE ACADEMY SYSTEM                     6
                                                                    Preston
Youth Development Business and Operations Manager                                                                                           OUR VISION                              6
                                                                    Lancashire
Jim Briden T 07711 077267
                                                                    PR1 8HU                                                                 OUR MISSION                             6
Youth Development Co-ordinator                                                                                                              YOUR OPPORTUNITY                        6
Pauline Hothersall T 01772 325814
                                                                     T   01772 325800
                                                                                                                                            THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY                 7
                                                                    efl.com
Senior Regional Manager                                                                                                                     UNDERSTANDING ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION    7
Phil Stant T 07703 273844                                           LEAGUE FOOTBALL EDUCATION (LFE)
EFL (YD) REGIONAL MANAGERS
                                                                    EFL House                                                           2   PARTICIPATION                          8
                                                                    10-12 West Cliff                                                        JOINING THE ACADEMY SYSTEM              8
North – Graham Mitchell T 07436 812345                              Preston
North West – Dave Robertson T 07918 151246                                                                                                  ACADEMY REGISTRATION                    9
                                                                    Lancashire
North East – Adrian Shaw T 07736 668056                                                                                                     SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS                     10
                                                                    PR1 8HU
East – Darren Bloodworth T 07768 322258                                                                                                     ACADEMY INDUCTION                      12
                                                                     T   01772 326870
South West – Bob Bloomer T 07760 788687
                                                                     E   info@lfe.org.uk
Central – Ben Smith T 07795 677078                                                                                                      3   ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN               16
South & London – John Clayton T 07760 616865                        lfe.org.uk
                                                                                                                                            COACHING PROGRAMME                     16
South East – Ken Oram T 07436 562220                                THE PREMIER LEAGUE (PL)                                                 GAMES PROGRAMME                        18

EFL PLAYER ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT                                Brunel Building                                                         FESTIVALS TOURS AND TOURNAMENTS        20
                                                                    57 N Wharf Road                                                         EDUCATION PROGRAMME                    20
Head of Player Administration
                                                                    London
Debbie Birch
                                                                    W2 1HG                                                              4   PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM              23
Player Admin Manager
                                                                     T   0207 8649000
Louise Smith
                                                                    premierleague.com                                                   5   PLAYER DEVELOPMENT                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Player Admin Officers’
                                                                                                                                            AND PROGRESSION                        24      THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME                                30
Gill Banks T 01772 325828                                           THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (FA)                                                                                          YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT                   31
Jake Sanders T 01772 325972                                         Wembley Stadium
                                                                                                                                        6   PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING                        SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT                      32
E   playeradmin@efl.com                                             PO Box 1966
                                                                                                                                            WELFARE                                25      EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT                                  34
                                                                    London
EFL PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM                                       SW1P 9EQ
                                                                                                                                                                                           REPORTING DISCRIMINATION                                35
(PRS) DEPARTMENT                                                                                                                        7   INDEPENDENT ADVICE                     27      FA EDUCATION & WELFARE STATEMENT                        36
                                                                     T   0844 9808200
E   PRSid@efl.com                                                                                                                                                                          APPRENTICESHIPS                                         36
                                                                    TheFA.com                                                           8   FEEDBACK                               28      TRIALS                                                  37
EFL COMPETITIONS DEPARTMENT
                                                                    THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS’                                           FEEDBACK AND OPEN COMMUNICATION        28
Competitions Manager
                                                                    ASSOCIATION (PFA)                                                       COMPLAINTS                             28      EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES
Paul Snellgrove T 01772 325833
                                                                    20 Oxford Court                                                                                                        EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES 2020/21                     39
Fixtures Officer                                                    Bishopsgate                                                         9   KEY CONTACTS                           29      CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                 81
Alex Neary T 01772 325978                                           Manchester
E   aneary@efl.com                                                  M2 3WQ

EFL SAFEGUARDING DEPARTMENT                                          T 0161 2360575
                                                                    thepfa.co.uk
Safeguarding Manager
Alex Richards T 01772 325940
E   arichards@efl.com

EFL INCLUSION DEPARTMENT
                                                                    The EFL Youth Development would like to thank the following clubs
Inclusion Manager                                                   for providing the photographs included in this guide: Barnsley,
                                                                    Colchester United, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, MK Dons,
Aneel Javed T 01772 325800
                                                                    Northampton Town, Peterborough United, Queens Park Rangers,
E   ajaved@efl.com                                                  Rochdale, Southend United, Sunderland.

2   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                                  EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS        3
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                       

                                                                                                                                          WELCOME
                                                                                                                                          Joining the academy system is a wonderful opportunity for
                                                                                                                                          any young player. On behalf of everyone at the English Football
                                                                                                                                          League (EFL), we wish you good luck as you begin your journey.

                                                                                                                                          You should expect the quality of coaching, the standard of
                                                                                                                                          education and the all-round experience to be outstanding.
                                                                                                                                          We expect all Academy Players to show commitment to and respect
                                                                                                                                          for their fellow players of all ages, for their coaches and their Club,
                                                                                                                                          and for both the rules and the spirit of the game.

                                                                                                                                          The EFL operates the Academy system on behalf of its Clubs,
                                                                                                                                          and also works closely with, the Premier League, The Football
                                                                                                                                          Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

                                                                                                                                          There are many things you will need to know as an Academy Player
                                                                                                                                          or as a parent of a player. This Charter is designed to provide you
                                                                                                                                          with an introduction to the Academy system and information on
                                                                                                                                          how it works.

4   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                     EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   5
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                           

    1            THE ACADEMY SYSTEM
OUR VISION                                                   OUR MISSION                                                 THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY
WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE                                      WHAT WE DO                                                  We call the development journey of an Academy Player the Performance Pathway.
We want to produce more and better home-grown                The aim of the Academy system is to help young players      Players can join and leave at different ages or points and can progress into the professional game or another career.
players and for the experiences in the Academy system        maximise their potential in football, education and life.   Your Club coaches, backed by a wide range of other specialist services, support Academy Players through each phase
to be positive in helping to develop the person as well as                                                               of the Pathway.
                                                             It puts well-being and personal development at the
the player.
                                                             heart of everything we do. Our aim is to develop well-
We want our players to be technically excellent and          rounded individuals as well as high quality players.          THE PERFORMANCE PATHWAY HAS 3 PHASES
tactically astute independent decision-makers on
                                                             Clubs provide expert services, support and advice to
and off the field, equipped for a successful career as                                                                     FOUNDATION PHASE                                              Under 9 (U9) to Under 11 (U11)
                                                             Academy Players and their parents, and every young
professional footballers. We want to develop the world’s
                                                             player should enjoy and value their Academy experience.       YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE                                       Under 12 (U12) to Under 16 (U16)
leading youth coaches, provide inspirational facilities
and world-class support services.
                                                                                                                           PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE                                Under 17 (U17) to Under 21 (U21)
                                                             YOUR OPPORTUNITY
                                                             WHAT IS THERE FOR YOU
                                                             Participating in the Academy system is an achievement
                                                             to be proud of, however it is important to maintain
                                                             a balance between the demands of life outside of
                                                                                                                         UNDERSTANDING ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION
                                                             football, including your education. Ensure that you         Each Academy is independently audited and categorised from 1 to 4. The EFL works closely with its Clubs in between

                                                             maintain interests beyond the football pitch and            audits to ensure that standards are maintained and improved where required. The different categories of Academies

                                                             manage expectations of a professional football career       reflect the type of programme provided.

                                                             because only a few Academy Players will go on to            The environment at an Academy will differ according to the categorisation, but all categories of Academy will
                                                             become professional footballers.                            have a track record of producing successful professional players. Your Club will be able to provide you with their
                                                                                                                         categorisation status.

                                                                                                                           ACADEMY CLASSIFICATION           DEFINITION                                                PERFORMANCE PATHWAY

                                                                                                                                                            This is the highest classification awarded to an
                                                                                                                                                            Academy. It is an elite environment where Academy
                                                                                                                                                            Players are provided with additional access to
                                                                                                                           CATEGORY 1                       coaching and the potential of full time education         U9 to U21
                                                                                                                                                            from U12. Category 1 Academies can recruit nationally
                                                                                                                                                            from U14 provided the Academy Player is guaranteed
                                                                                                                                                            access to a full time education programme.

                                                                                                                                                            This is an elite development environment where
                                                                                                                                                            Academy Players are typically recruited locally but
                                                                                                                           CATEGORY 2                                                                                 U9 to U21
                                                                                                                                                            gain access to additional coaching opportunities and
                                                                                                                                                            education support.

                                                                                                                                                            This is a development environment where Academy
                                                                                                                           CATEGORY 3                       Players are provided with professional coaching and       U9 to U21
                                                                                                                                                            development opportunities.

                                                                                                                                                            Academies focus on their coaching and educational
                                                                                                                           CATEGORY 4                       support for Academy Players in the Professional           U17 to U21
                                                                                                                                                            Development Phase (U17 to U21) only.

6   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                              EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS     7
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                        

    2             PARTICIPATION
JOINING THE ACADEMY SYSTEM
The first point of contact with your Club may have
been through a scout or Intermediary.

WHAT IS A SCOUT?                        GUIDANCE                                A Player cannot be represented
                                                                                                                      ACADEMY REGISTRATION
A scout represents a Club and is        Players entering into a contract with   by an Intermediary before the 1st
                                                                                                                      Registration is when you commit to a Club’s Academy,
responsible for identifying talented    an Intermediary should consider         day in January on the year of their
                                                                                                                      and the Club commits to you. All parties must complete
young players. Scouts must be           taking independent legal advice or      16th birthday.
                                                                                                                      a registration form and once the form has been signed you will
registered with the Club who is         contacting the PFA particularly if      Representation Contracts              no longer be able to play grass roots football. You remain attached
responsible for ensuring high           they are unsure of any of the terms     between Players and Intermediaries    to the Club for a period of time that depends on your age, and you join
standards of behaviour. You should      of the contract.                        under the age of 18 must also be      an age group determined by the age you will be on 31st August.
always confirm a scout’s identity                                               signed by the Player’s parent or
                                        However, it is advisable to conduct
with the Club.                                                                                                        The initial duration of your registration will be determined by the time of
                                        thorough research before you sign       legal guardian.
                                                                                                                      year when the Club approaches you to register.
WHAT IS AN INTERMEDIARY?                with an Intermediary. Check the         If you are concerned about
An intermediary (formally known         FA.com/intermediaries for a list of     an approach from a scout or
                                                                                                                         DURATION OF REGISTRATION
as an agent) acts on behalf of a        all registered Intermediaries or call   Intermediary, contact your
player or a Club and may represent      the Intermediaries hotline              Club’s Designated Safeguarding           U9, U10 and U11                         Registration period of up to 1 year
a player or a Club in contractual       0844 9808213.                           Officer immediately.
                                                                                                                         U12, U14 and U16                        Registration period of up to 1 year
negotiations.                           Always date any document or the
Intermediaries may not, either          contract that you sign. Ensure you                                               U13 and U15                             Registration period of up to 2 years
directly or indirectly, make            receive a copy of the document/
any approach to, or enter into          contract on the day you sign.
                                                                                                                      Once the registration is established it will continue thereafter for successive
any agreement with a player in          If a Player is signed up to an                                                periods of a year (or 2 years) unless either the club and/or the player
relation to any Intermediaries          Intermediary on an exclusive basis,                                           terminate in accordance with the youth development rules.
Activity before the first day of        he should not enter into a contract
                                                                                                                      The EFL and your Club see registration as a crucial time when independent
January in the year of the Player’s     with another Intermediary at the
                                                                                                                      advice is important for Academy Players and their parents (see section 7).
sixteenth birthday. From this           same time as he may be liable to
date, Intermediaries may provide        pay commission to two (or more)
advisory services, but are not          different Intermediaries
allowed to receive any payment for      if he does so.                                                                CONTACTS
those services until a player reaches
                                                                                                                      Intermediaries in England are
the age of 18. The services of an
                                                                                                                      registered and monitored by the
Intermediary are not essential for a                                                                                  Financial Regulation team at The FA.
future in professional football.                                                                                      You can contact them here:
The PFA also provide independent                                                                                      Intermediaries Hotline:
advisory services should you                                                                                          0844 980 8213

consider early contact.                                                                                               E-mail queries:
                                                                                                                      intermediaries.queries@thefa.com
                                                                                                                      Fax: 0844 980 0679
                                                                                                                      Postal address:
                                                                                                                      Financial Regulation,
                                                                                                                      Wembley Stadium,
                                                                                                                      PO BOX 1966,SW1P 9EQ

8   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                             EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   9
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                                  

SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS
A Scholarship is a 2-year agreement between the Club
and the Academy Player which provides a full-time
football development and education programme.
This is also sometimes referred to as an apprenticeship.
                                                                                                                         TIME/DISTANCE REGULATIONS
An offer of a Scholarship may be officially recorded at any time on or after
                                                                                                                         Between Under 9 and Under 16, you can generally
1st January in the year in which you reach the age of 14. For those Academy Players
                                                                                                                         only be registered with a Club if you live within a
in the Under 16 age group, it shall be offered on or before 1st March in your Under 16
                                                                                                                         limited travel time of the Club’s location. From
season. Following receipt of this offer, you must respond within 28 days, otherwise
                                                                                                                         Under 17 to Under 21 there are no travel time
it is considered that you have not accepted the offer. Serious consideration should
                                                                                                                         restrictions and there is no travel limit for the
be given to this long term commitment to a Club.
                                                                                                                         Academy players engaged in the Full-Time Training
Information about the PFA Independence Advisory Service available to you                                                 Model at Category 1 Academies in the U14,
regarding registration and contractual offers can be found in section 7 (on page 27).                                    U15 and U16 age groups.

REGISTRATION PROCESS                      APPROACHES AND CONTACTS                  Inducements can be wide ranging,
                                                                                                                                                                                                National Recruitment      National Recruitment
                                                                                   from cash payments to the                                           U9 to U11               U12 to U16
Once you have signed a registration       You are not permitted to contact                                                                                                                      U14 to U16                U17 to U21
form, The EFL will process your           any other Premier League or EFL          payment or reimbursement of
                                                                                   accommodation or travel costs.          CATEGORY 1 ACADEMY          1 Hour                  1 ½ Hours        Full time                 No restriction
registration. If you choose to cancel     Clubs during the initial 7-day
the agreement, you must contact           period, nor throughout your agreed       It is of course appreciated that
                                                                                   some expenses are legitimate            CATEGORY 2 ACADEMY          1 Hour                  1 ½ Hours        Not applicable            No restriction
the EFL within 7 days. You may be         registration period. Likewise, other
coached by, and play for, the Club        Premier League or EFL Clubs, scouts      and guidance is available upon
                                                                                   request outlining what payments         CATEGORY 3 ACADEMY          1 Hour                  1 ½ Hours        Not applicable            No restriction
during this initial 7-day period as       and intermediaries must not make
you are officially registered with        an approach to you or any person         are permitted. Should you have
                                                                                   any doubts as to whether an             CATEGORY 4 ACADEMY          Not applicable        Not applicable     Not applicable            No restriction
the Club.                                 connected with you.
                                                                                   inducement is being offered, you
                                          INDUCEMENTS                              or your parents should contact the
                                          Similarly, no club may attempt           EFL before proceeding. Remember,
                                                                                                                                                                                                Information about the PFA
                                          to induce you to register with it        should you be found to have
                                          (whether by offering money or            accepted an inducement, there                                                                                Independence Advisory Service
                                          other benefit in kind to you or          could be serious ramifications
                                                                                                                                                                                                available to you regarding
                                          anyone connected to you) and             for your career, including a
                                          you must not accept any such             potential sanction from the Leagues                                                                          registration and contractual offers
                                          inducements that is offered to you.      and /or termination or refusal of                                                                            can be found in section 7.
                                                                                   your registration.
                                          Any such inducements could be
                                          deemed a breach of the EFL Rules,        CODE OF CONDUCT
                                          and for clarity, this covers both the
                                                                                   Your registration means you
                                          registration with a new club, or re-
                                                                                   accept personal responsibility
                                          signing with a Club you may already
                                                                                   for maintaining standards of
                                          be registered with.
                                                                                   behaviour set out by your Club,
                                                                                   Academy and EFL.

10   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                                 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   11
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                             

ACADEMY INDUCTION

Your Academy will tell you about the provision of coaching, education and
support as well as what you can expect following registration. You will find out
about your personal coaching and games programmes, and how your education
programme and school liaison will be managed.

Induction is an important chance          DECLINING EXTENDED                        COMPENSATION
to get to know key people at the          REGISTRATION                              Compensation is money paid by
Academy, and for them to get to           If you choose to decline the offer        your new Club to your previous
know you. Make the most of the            of an extended registration period        one to cover training and
opportunity to ask questions and          and seek to be released, you must         development costs if you decline
to note names and contact details         inform both your Club and EFL in          an offer of extended registration.
which you can record on page 29.          writing by the first Saturday in June.    If compensation is due, and any
                                          Following receipt of confirmation         amounts are not agreed between
END OF SEASON PROCEDURES                  from the EFL, you will then be able       clubs, your new club may be
Towards the end of each registration      to seek registration at another Club,     required to calculate compensation
period, your Club will write to you       subject to the Rules relating to          based upon an annual fixed fee
with its plan for your registration       travel distance.                          which relates to the age group
for the next season(s). If your Club                                                of the Academy Player and the
                                          If you refuse an offer of retention
intends to renew your registration,                                                 category of Academy the player was
                                          and a new Club wishes to sign you,
you must decide whether you want                                                    registered with. The current fees are
                                          they may have to pay compensation
to accept or refuse their offer.                                                    as shown in the table below.
                                          to your previous Club(s). If you are
RENEWING YOUR REGISTRATION                offered a professional contract           Compensation for Academy Players
                                          and achieve a number of first             who have been offered a scholarship
If you are happy to remain
                                          team appearances, your previous           by their club and for players in
registered at the Club you do
                                          Club may also be entitled to claim        the Under 17 age group and older
not need to take any action.
                                          extra payments.                           may be determined under the
Your Club will notify the EFL,
                                                                                    Regulations of the Professional
and your registration will be             Your club may offer you a
                                                                                    Football Compensation Committee.
retained for a further period (as         professional contract to
determined by your age).                  commence from the age of 17               Academy Players and their parents
                                          at any time from 1st November             are not liable for paying these fees.
                                          following the commencement of
                                          your under 16 year.

     COMPENSATION FORMULA

                                         Category of the training Club’s
     Age group of the Academy Player                                               Applicable annual fixed fee
                                         Academy at the relevant time

     U9 to U11                           All categories                            £3,000

     U12 to U16                          Category 1                                £40,000

     U12 to U16                          Category 2                                £25,000

     U12 to U16                          Category 3                                £12,500

12    EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   13
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                            

CONTINGENCY FEES – UNDER 12 OR ABOVE                         As an alternative, any party may ask The Player Related
In addition, should you subsequently achieve a number        Dispute Commission to provide a binding decision on
of first team appearances, then your previous Club(s)        a termination request by making a written application
may be entitled to additional fees known as contingency      providing full reasons for the request. Detailed rules
payments from your current Club. The fees are set            apply, full details of which can be obtained from the PFA.
according to divisional status.                              If the reasons for requesting a binding decision includes
Further information is set out in the Youth                  a safeguarding issue, you should be aware that all poor
Development Rules.                                           practice safeguarding issues should be addressed to the
                                                             Academy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) as
REQUESTING RELEASE                                           soon as a concern is identified. Safeguarding concerns
During your registration period you may only be released     will be dealt with separately from requests for release
if all parties are in agreement (the Club, Academy Player    from registration.
and parents). You should initially raise any concern         You should be aware that compensation may be due
you have, which may have led to your desire to leave,        to the Training Club should you wish to register with a
with the Academy Manager. Any concerns regarding             new club.
a safeguarding issues should be addressed to the
                                                             More information about feedback and communication,
Academy Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
                                                             including the complaints process, can be found in
                                                             section 8 (page 28).

                                                                                                                          MOVING TO ANOTHER ACADEMY                                       and can be a time of uncertainty, but it is extremely
                                                                                                                          If you registered with one Category 1 Academy and wish          important part of ensuring the integrity of the
                                                                                                                          to move to another Category 1 Academy (as well as in            Academy system and the EFL and Premier League Rules.
                                                                                                                          respect of certain other movements), you (together              We will endeavour to ensure the process is completed as
                                                                                                                          with your parents and the two relevant Clubs) will              soon as possible.
                                                                                                                          ordinarily be required to undergo an exit interview to          Please also note that the above process may
                                                                                                                          talk through the circumstances of your proposed move.           also apply to other categories of Academy in
                                                                                                                          This is a process that is intended to ensure that no Rules      certain circumstances.
                                                                                                                          have been breached in relation to the move.

                                                                                                                          As part of this process, you and your parents (together         LEAVING THE ACADEMY
                                                                                                                          with the club that you wish to move to) will also need to       Release of an Academy Player from registration can be
                                                                                                                          sign a declaration that no approach has been made to            a difficult time. Academy Players and parents should
                                                                                                                          you prior to the relevant date, nor has any inducement          remember that involvement in the programme is a
                                                                                                                          been paid or offered to you or anyone connected with            tremendous achievement in itself. No Academy can
                                                                                                                          you to encourage you to move Academy.                           guarantee that a player will become a professional.
                                                                                                                          Following this process, you may be required to provide          If your Club does not wish to extend your registration,
                                                                                                                          certain documents and/or other information to the EFL           it is expected to provide support by, for example,
                                                                                                                          to ensure that all rules have been complied with. As an         helping identify opportunities for you to continue your
                                                                                                                          example, phone records and bank statements covering             football career elsewhere. League Football Education
                                                                                                                          the last year may be requested.                                 (LFE) also provides support for players released at the
                                                                                                                                                                                          end of their Scholarships.
                                                                                                                          You should be aware that this process can potentially
                                                                                                                          take a matter of weeks and while it is ongoing, you             For further details on opportunities to attend the
                                                                                                                          will not be able to train with or play for the new Club’s       U16 Assessment Trials and U18 Assessment Trials
                                                                                                                          Academy. We appreciate this can be inconvenient                 can be found on page 37.

14   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                                EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS     15
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                             

         3            ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN
Each Academy has a performance plan which follows the Club’s guiding
principles, values, playing style and tactical approach. This encompasses a
games programme, education programmes, sports science and medicine
services support as well as coaching on the pitch. Your Academy has a
designated team of specialist medical and sports science staff to provide a
high level of medical care during training sessions and games. Your Academy
Manager will introduce you to these specialist staff at your induction.

COACHING PROGRAMME
The age group you are in will, to an         Close integration with your
extent, determine the coaching               education and welfare programmes                 N.B. These coaching
contact time you will receive.               will be paramount in building an                 contact times are a
The number of coaching sessions              effective coaching programme                     guide and your coach
available to you should increase as          for you. The Club will continually               will adjust your weekly
you progress along the Performance           monitor your progression via regular             programme according
Pathway. The Club will advise you            performance reviews (see page 24).               to your specific needs
which coaching programmes will be            Once you join the Academy, your                  and the individual
available to you; these vary in terms        progress will be recorded on a                   programme that
of the number of hours of coaching           performance clock. This is your                  you are on.
received each week and when in the           record of personal progress and
day those sessions take place (see           achievement available to you
Education Programme on page 20).             through your coaches.

                      Foundation Phase      Youth Development
     Category                                                             Professional Development Phase U17 to U21
                      U9 to U11             Phase U12 to U16

                      4 coaching hours                                    14 coaching hours per week reducing to 12 hours
                                            10 coaching hours per
                      per week rising to                                  for Academy Players who have commitments to
     1                                      week rising to 12 hours for
                      8 hours for older                                   the professional squad during the Professional
                                            older Academy Players.
                      Academy Players.                                    Development Phase.

                      3 coaching hours                                    14 coaching hours per week reducing to 12 hours
                                            6 coaching hours per
                      per week rising to                                  for Academy Players who have commitments to
     2                                      week rising to 12 hours for
                      5 hours for older                                   the professional squad during the Professional
                                            older Academy Players.
                      Academy Players.                                    Development Phase.

                                            4 coaching hours per
                      3 coaching hours
     3                                      week rising to 6 hours for    12 coaching hours per week.
                      per week.
                                            older Academy Players.

                                                                          14 coaching hours per week reducing to 12 hours
                                                                          for Academy Players who have commitments to
     4                Not applicable       Not applicable
                                                                          the professional squad during the Professional
                                                                          Development Phase Games Programme.

16       EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                             EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   17
CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS - EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS' AND PARENTS' GUIDE SEASON 2020/21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                          

GAMES PROGRAMME
FOUNDATION PHASE: U9 TO U11                                   PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U17 TO U21

• Foundation Phase games are played locally,                  The Professional Development Phase aims to prepare
     usually on Sundays, and may include regular festivals    you for professional life in the Club’s first team.
     that involve 3 or more Clubs.                            Depending on age and Academy Category, you will

• The focus in this phase is fun and developing mastery       join a bespoke U18 League or a Professional
                                                              Development League.
     of the ball.

• Games take place on age-appropriate pitches.                U18 League games take place on Saturdays.

     Matches are small-sided games for each age group.        Premier League 2 consists of Category 1 Academies,

• Subject to fitness, you will participate in at least        each playing a proportion of matches at the Club’s main
                                                              stadium. A Professional Development League is also
     50% of match playing time reasonably spread out in
                                                              provided for the Category 2 Clubs with a proportion
     any one season.
                                                              of matches being played in the main stadium.
•    Category 1 and 2 Academies participate in a regional
                                                              A development League which provides playing
     indoor season during December and February.
                                                              opportunities for players at some Category 3 and 4
                                                              Academies is also in operation.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U12 TO U16

• Youth Development Phase games are usually played
     at weekends and may include regular festivals
     throughout the season.

• Games are usually arranged on a regional basis,
     but Category 1 and 2 Academies may be involved in
     national and international competitions.

• Subject to fitness, in the U12 to U14 age groups you
     will participate in at least 50% of match playing time
     reasonably spread out in any one season.

• Subject to fitness, in the U15 and U16 age groups you                                                                 THE FOUNDATION PHASE (U9 TO U11) GAME FORMATS
     will play in at least 20 ‘authorised games’ per season
     and participate in at least 50% of the game time.                                                                  Age                   Format                    Pitch size (yards)      Goal size (feet)       Ball size

• The focus in this phase is on building technical                                                                      U9                    5 v 5 or 7 v 7
                                                                                                                                                                        30 x 20 to 40 x 30 or
                                                                                                                                                                        50 x 30 to 60 x 40
                                                                                                                                                                                                12 x 6                 3 or 4
     skills, game understanding and tactical awareness.
     Academy Players may be introduced to tournament                                                                    U10                   7v7                       50 x 30 to 60 x 40      12 x 6 to 16 x 7       4
     football from U12 to U16.
                                                                                                                        U11                   9v9                       70 x 40 to 80 x 50      16 x 7                 4

                                                                                                                        U9 to U11             Futsal (5 v 5)            25 x 15 to 33 x 18m     3 x 2m                 3 to 4

                                                                                                                        THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE (U12 TO U16) GAME FORMATS

                                                                                                                        Age                   Format                    Pitch size (yards)      Goal size (feet)       Ball size

                                                                                                                        U12 & U13             11 v 11                   90 x 60                 21 x 7                 4

                                                                                                                        U14 & U15             11 v 11                   90 x 60 to 100 x 60     24 x 8                 5

                                                                                                                        U16                   11 v 11                   100 x 60 to 110 x 70    24 x 8                 5

                                                                                                                        U12 to U16            Futsal (5 v 5)            33 x 18 to 42 x 25m     3 x 2m                 4

18   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                         EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   19
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                            

                                                                     FESTIVALS, TOURS                                    YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U12 to U16

                                                                     AND TOURNAMENTS                                     The Youth Development Phase offers 3 possible types of programme:

                                                                     You may have the chance to be involved in           1 Part time                                                     3 Full-time
                                                                     additional festivals, tours and tournaments,
                                                                     both domestically and abroad, some of which
                                                                                                                         • You attend school full time, and in the main you              • If you are offered a full-time place at your Academy,
                                                                                                                            attend the Academy in the evenings, at weekends                 you receive both your football and education
                                                                     may be residential. These opportunities are
                                                                                                                            and during holidays.                                            programmes through the Club. Your academic needs
                                                                     designed to enhance your playing experience
                                                                     and help your technical and personal                • Your Academy will keep in regular contact with                   will be met by a local school.

                                                                     development. Your Club will provide you with           your school.                                                 • Your Club will make a detailed assessment of your
                                                                     specific details about these events as they are                                                                        educational needs and work closely with your
                                                                                                                         2 Hybrid                                                           previous and new schools to ensure your curriculum
                                                                     scheduled in the calendar.
                                                                                                                         • You are released from school to attend the Academy               meets both government requirements and your

                                                                     EDUCATION PROGRAMME                                    for part of your weekly timetable, depending on your            academic abilities.
                                                                                                                            age and your Club’s programme.
                                                                                                                                                                                         • If you are offered a place on a full-time programme,
                                                                                                                         • Agreement must be reached between your school,
                                                                     Your education is vitally important. Your
                                                                                                                                                                                            your Club will also offer an extended registration
                                                                     education programme will help you achieve a
                                                                                                                            parents and Club describing the arrangements and                that lasts up to the end of your secondary school
                                                                     productive and fulfilling career, both on and off
                                                                                                                            the likely effect on your studies.                              education.
                                                                     the field. The Head of Education at your club
                                                                     oversees the programme and will:                    • Academies must work with your school to track your            • A full educational review will take place every 12
                                                                     • Liaise with your school to make sure your            academic progress, and they must provide extra                  weeks and a copy will be sent to your parents.

                                                                        football commitments do not damage your
                                                                                                                            help to ensure there is no detrimental effect on your
                                                                                                                            academic achievement.
                                                                                                                                                                                         • Information regarding educational progression
                                                                        levels of progress at school.                                                                                       should be recorded on at least a 12-weekly basis.

                                                                     • Make sure you follow a formal education           • Information regarding educational progression                 • A full-time place may involve living away from home
                                                                                                                            should be recorded on at least a 12-weekly basis.
                                                                        programme that lets you achieve your                                                                                in accommodation arranged for you by the Club for
                                                                        academic potential and                                                                                              instance at a boarding school, Club boarding home or

                                                                     • Offer advice on all aspects of the education                                                                         with a host family.

                                                                        programme.

                                                                     FOUNDATION PHASE: U9 to U11
                                                                     In the Foundation Phase the vast majority of
                                                                     Academy’s operate a part time programme             PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE: U17 to U21                      Although not compulsory, there may be education
                                                                     whereby you attend school full time and in the                                                                      opportunities available to you after you turn 18 to
                                                                                                                         In the first two years of this phase, Academy Players
                                                                     main attend the Academy in the evening, at                                                                          continue your education. This may include higher level
                                                                                                                         must take an education component as part of their
                                                                     weekends and during holidays. Additionally,                                                                         programmes, such as degree-level study.
                                                                                                                         Scholarship.
                                                                     your Academy keeps in regular contact with
                                                                                                                         Many Academy Players take the Advanced                          Academy Players are expected to complete their
                                                                     your school to ensure your Academy attendance
                                                                                                                         Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence; full details             education programme even if they sign a professional
                                                                     is not having a detrimental impact on your
                                                                                                                         of this will be provided by both your Club and League           contract before the apprenticeship has run its course.
                                                                     educational progress.
                                                                                                                         Football Education (LFE).                                       Your club may offer you a professional contract to
                                                                     Your Academy will report to your parents at least
                                                                                                                         A full educational review will take place every 12 weeks,       commence from the age of 17 at any time from 1st
                                                                     twice per year, outlining your progress in all
                                                                                                                         and will be recorded.                                           November following the commencement of your
                                                                     areas of football development.
                                                                                                                                                                                         under 16 year.
                                                                     A limited number of Academies operate a hybrid
                                                                     programme in this phase.

20   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                               EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS    21
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                            

                                                                                                                4            PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM
                                                                                                                             (PRS)
                                                                                                            The Player Recognition System (PRS) uses identification cards to validate Player
                                                                                                            eligibility and record attendance at Academy fixtures and events. All schoolboy
                                                                                                            (U9-U16) registered players are issued with a PRS ID card and monitoring is
                                                                                                            undertaken to ensure the integrity of Academy football, in accordance with
                                                                                                            Youth Development Rules.

                                                                                                            The PRS has the following key           Games Programme Monitors are            In respect of PRS, once registered,
                                                                                                            objectives;                             deployed across the system in           the League will access the

                                                                                                            • Maintain a safe environment
                                                                                                                                                    order to verify Player eligibility by   following registration data in
                                                                                                                                                    checking ID cards via unannounced       order to produce Player ID cards:
                                                                                                               for Academy Players, Trialists
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Player name
                                                                                                                                                    visits to Academy fixtures/events.
                                                                                                               and Staff                            Cards may be inspected prior, during

                                                                                                            • Validate the integrity of the         or after matches. Clubs will be able,
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Player FAS ID
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Player image
                                                                                                               Games Programme                      and expected, to manage their
                                                                                                                                                    fixtures through PMA.
                                                                                                            • Ensure the Games Programme            Any lost or damaged cards must be       • Player registration status
                                                                                                               and its Players are monitored
                                                                                                                                                    reported to your Club immediately
                                                                                                               effectively                                                                  The data will be used to produce the
                                                                                                                                                    so that a new card can be printed
                                                                                                            • Allow recording of Academy            and issued as soon as possible by
                                                                                                                                                    the League.
                                                                                                                                                                                            ID card to verify Player eligibility at
                                                                                                                                                                                            fixtures. All stored data will be held
                                                                                                               Player game time
                                                                                                                                                                                            securely alongside existing player
                                                                                                                                                    The EFL will only record and store      registration data.
                                                                                                            Following the 2018/19 introduction
                                                                                                                                                    data deemed essential in fulfilling
                                                                                                            of the Player Recognition System                                                In order to participate in Academy
                                                                                                                                                    its role as a governing body and in
                                                                                                            into the EFL, it will be a statutory                                            fixtures and events, Academy
                                                                                                                                                    support of its functions.
                                                                                                            rule going forward for all registered                                           Players will be required to have their
                                                                                                            Academy Players to have a PRS ID                                                PRS ID card available for inspection
                                                                                                            card available for inspection.                                                  at those fixtures and events. If a
                                                                                                            Academies intending to register a                                               valid card cannot be produced by
                                                                                                            Player will be required to complete                                             the Player or Club when requested,
                                                                                                            the registration forms as they                                                  it will be reported to the League for
                                                                                                            do currently, with the additional                                               further investigation.
                                                                                                            requirement to provide a suitable
                                                                                                            image. The Player will then be
                                                                                                            issued with an ID card once all
                                                                                                            registration details, including
                                                                                                            image eligibility, have been verified
                                                                                                            and processed.

22   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                              EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS    23
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                                        

     5            PLAYER DEVELOPMENT                                                                                         6            PLAYER AND
                  AND PROGRESSION                                                                                                         SAFEGUARDING WELFARE
Making all Academy Players independent decision makers is one of the core                                                The EFL is committed to safeguarding the welfare                                SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
                                                                                                                                                                                                         You should be aware that your Club
aims of the Academy system. Athletic development, performance, lifestyle                                                 of young players and expects all member clubs to
                                                                                                                                                                                                         will have a policy and guidance for
and psychology programmes will be delivered to enhance the knowledge,                                                    endorse this commitment. Protecting young players                               players, parents and staff on the use

skills and understanding you will need to become a professional footballer                                               from abuse is of paramount importance. The EFL                                  and misuse of social media sites,
                                                                                                                                                                                                         including Facebook and Twitter. It is
                                                                                                                         Safeguarding Children Statement is contained in
both on and off the field.                                                                                                                                                                               important that you understand what
                                                                                                                         Appendix (A) of this handbook.                                                  is acceptable and unacceptable.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Being registered with a professional
PERFORMANCE CLOCK
                                            PERFORMANCE REVIEW FREQUENCY                                                                                                                                 Club means that you have a
You are entitled to regular feedback                                                                                     Each club has a duty of care to         as to the youth rules or club
                                                                                                                                                                                                         responsibility to be a positive role
on your progress and development            Foundation Phase                   Every 12 weeks                            safeguard children and young            rules regarding the Academy. It
                                                                                                                                                                                                         model in all public communications,
at the Club. Your Academy will use                                                                                       players involved with their club        is important to try to clarify any
                                                                                                                                                                                                         therefore, inappropriate comments
a ‘performance clock’ to record,            Youth Development Phase            Every 6 weeks                             and they will have safeguarding         concerns at an early stage. You
                                                                                                                                                                                                         about others, including; players,
measure and monitor all aspects of                                                                                       policies and procedures in place.       should have the information you
                                                                                                                                                                                                         parents, staff, officials or the Club
                                            Professional Development Phase                                               These outline their commitment          need within this guide. However, if
your progress. It is your record of                                            Every 6 weeks                                                                                                             will be taken seriously, may result in
                                            (U17 & U18)                                                                  to safeguarding and players and         you need clarification – then in the
achievement, and you can help                                                                                                                                                                            disciplinary action and could result
                                            Professional Development Phase                                               parents should be made aware of         first instance speak to the Age Group
to develop it. If you move to                                                  Frequency to be determined by your Club                                                                                   in dismissal.
                                            (U19 – U21)                                                                  them during induction and through       Team Manager. You may also speak
another Club, you take your                                                                                              club publications.                      to the EFL Regional Manager whose       Parents may have seen in the media
performance clock with you as your                                                                                                                               contact details are available on page   that there is a ‘trend’ by some
own personal record.                                                                                                     At your Club, there will be a                                                   young people to use social media
                                         PERFORMANCE REVIEWS                     and it sets new performance                                                     2 of this guide. They will be able
                                                                                                                         person who is responsible for the                                               to share inappropriate images of
                                                                                 targets. Each review is recorded on                                             provide information and guidance.
                                         Every Academy Player’s                                                          welfare of young players; they                                                  themselves or others. It is important
                                                                                 your performance clock.
                                         performance is reviewed regularly.                                              may be known as the Designated          If you have any concerns regarding      to remember that on occasions
                                         A performance review assesses your      Performance reviews are conducted       Safeguarding Officer (DSO). It is       safeguarding or the welfare of any      the sharing of such images may be
                                         development against targets set at      by a multidisciplinary team of          their responsibility to respond to      child or young player you should        considered a criminal act. Parents
                                         previous performance reviews. It        experts employed by your Academy        complaints of poor practice and         report them to the Academy DSO.         should discuss with their children the
                                         identifies your need for individual     which may include your Head coach,      ensure that such complaints are                                                 risks associated with the misuse of
                                         coaching, all-round athletic            the Head of Education, the Club’s       dealt with appropriately. The DSO       IMAGES / VIDEO FOOTAGE – PARENTS        instant imaging messaging services
                                         development, educational support,       sports scientist plus any other         also has a responsibility to refer      AND PLAYERS UNDER 18 YEARS              such as Snapchat; WhatsApp; (Direct
                                                                                 relevant Academy staff. You will be     on to the appropriate authorities       Still images and recorded footage       Messenger (Twitter) and Facebook
                                                                                 provided with details of each review    allegations, disclosures or concerns    are used in many ways: for Club         (Direct Messenger).
                                                                                 and your coach will discuss future      of abuse or the risk of harm to a       performance analysis, match-day         EFL are committed to safeguarding.
                                                                                 targets with you on at least four       young player. Such referrals will be    programmes, as well as other            Any young person found to be sending
                                                                                 occasions each season.                  to the statutory agencies such as the   publications and literature. Your       inappropriate images of other
                                                                                                                         local authority or the police and to    Club will have an Images Policy.        children may be reported to the police
                                                                                 Your Academy will hold parents’
                                                                                                                         The FA Case Management Team.                                                    and FA Case Management Team.
                                                                                 evenings at least twice each season                                             You should ensure that you
                                                                                 to discuss your recent performance      If you have any concerns regarding      understand what the Images Policy       Although the majority of images
                                                                                 reviews in detail with your parents.    the welfare of any child or young       for your club is. The parent/legal      are appropriate and are taken in
                                                                                                                         player you should report them to        guardian of the player will be asked    good faith, images of children can
                                                                                                                         the DSO.                                to sign a consent form to ensure that   be misused and children and young
                                                                                                                                                                 you understand how the images may       people may be put at risk as a result.
                                                                                                                         We hope that your time at the
                                                                                                                                                                 be used.                                Parents are asked to reinforce, with
                                                                                                                         Academy will be enjoyable, however
                                                                                                                                                                                                         young players, the importance of
                                                                                                                         on occasions, players and parents       If parents/carers have any concerns
                                                                                                                                                                                                         safe use of social media systems to
                                                                                                                         do have some concerns. It may           regarding the use of images they
                                                                                                                                                                                                         protect your own and other children.
                                                                                                                         be that you just need clarification     should contact the DSO.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Parents and players should ensure
                                                                                                                                                                                                         to read and understand the Clubs
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Social Media Policy.

24   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                                           EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   25
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                            

                                                                                                                 7           INDEPENDENT ADVICE

                                                                                                            We pride ourselves on the quality of the Academy
                                                                                                            system and we are committed to ensuring that
                                                                                                            Academy Players, Trialists, Parents and Guardians
                                                                                                            gain the right advice and support.
                                                                                                            An important aspect of this is the independent advice provided by
                                                                                                            the The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). You are advised
                                                                                                            to make contact at the earliest opportunity.

   THE PFA
                                                                                                             T    0161 236 0575   E   youthadvisory@thepfa.co.uk

                                                                                                            THE PFA INDEPENDENT YOUTH ADVISORY SERVICE
                                                                                                            The PFA Independent Youth Advisory Service can offer advice to

   Safety Net
                                                                                                            Academy Players, Trialists and their parents and guardians relating to:

                                                                                                            • Premier League and EFL Youth            • Requesting Release
                                                                                                                 Development Rules
                                                                                                                                                      • Player Development / Player
                                                                                                            • Registration & contractual offers   Progression

                                                                                                            • Football Association & FIFA Rules • Coaching Programme
                                                                                                              and Regulations
                                                                                                                                                • Education Programme
                                                                                                            • Time & Distance Rules and         • Compensation
                                                                                                              Regulations

                                                                                                            • Academy Inductions                • Player Welfare
      Helping young players                                                                                 • End of Season Procedure           • Intermediaries
      with the challenges                                                                                   The PFA was formed in 1907 and is the world’s longest established

      of playing Academy                                                                                    professional sportspersons’ union.

                                                                                                            The aims of the PFA are to protect, improve and negotiate the
      football.                                                                                             conditions, rights and status of all professional players by collective
                                                                                                            bargaining agreements.

                                                                                                            The PFA is a key figure in all aspects of the professional game that
                                                                                                            affects its members and has enhanced its reputation by upholding the
                                                                                                            principle of caring for the interests of the game as a whole, in addition
                                                                                                            to the interests of its members.

                                                                                                            The experience and expertise the PFA has gained since its formation
                                                                                                            ensures it is able to provide you with the best, confidential
                                                                                                            independent advice and assistance.

                                         Register to access confidential
                                         advice, support & videos.                                                                                                EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS   27
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                                         

     8            FEEDBACK                                                                                                 9          KEY CONTACTS

FEEDBACK AND OPEN                                            RESPONSE                                                   ACADEMY MANAGER                                HEAD OF ACADEMY COACHING

COMMUNICATION                                                Complaints to EFL; these should be emailed to
                                                             enquiries@efl.com.                                           Name:                                          Name:
We want to minimise the risk of misunderstanding at
every stage. Close and regular communication between         The EFL will respond within 7 days and will provide          Contact:                                       Contact:
Clubs, Academy Players and parents helps to ensure           an outcome within 28 days, where possible.
an enjoyable and productive experience for everyone.
                                                             If these timescales are not achievable, you will
Feedback helps Clubs to identify areas for improvement
                                                             be kept informed.
that will enhance the learning environment and the                                                                      ACADEMY COACH                                  CLUB DOCTOR
playing experience. Comments, suggestions and                WELFARE/POOR PRACTICE ISSUES AND SAFEGUARDING
the raising of concerns help us to manage risks and                                                                       Name:                                          Name:
                                                             The EFL expects professional clubs to deal with welfare/
encourage better performance.
                                                             poor practice issues in the first instance. If the Club      Contact:                                       Contact:
We work hard to ensure that things go well; you should       complaints procedure has been followed and the
always raise any concern you have with your Club             concern is unresolved then the EFL complaints policy
in the first instance. If you wish to make a formal          and procedures should be followed. If the concern
complaint, follow the process detailed in the                relates to the safeguarding of a child or adult at risk
                                                                                                                        PHYSIOTHERAPIST                                HEAD OF SPORTS SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
complaints procedure below.                                  then the Designated Safeguarding Officer or Senior
                                                             Safeguarding Manager at the Club should be informed
                                                                                                                          Name:                                          Name:
COMPLAINTS                                                   without delay and the Club’s safeguarding policies and
                                                             procedures will be instigated.                               Contact:                                       Contact:
COMMUNICATION
Informally raise the issue with someone at the Club,
such as your Coach, Designated Safeguarding Officer
or Academy Manager; this may help you reach a
                                                                                                                        HEAD OF EDUCATION                              ACADEMY DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
satisfactory resolution quickly.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE                                                                                                      Name:                                          Name:

If the issue is not resolved, follow the Club’s complaints                                                                Contact:                                       Contact:
procedure and put your complaint formally in writing to
the Club.

ESCALATION
                                                                                                                        CLUB DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER           EFL REGIONAL MANAGER
If having completed your Academy’s complaints
procedure including the appeals process, you remain                                                                       Name:                                          Name:
dissatisfied, follow the EFL complaint process.
                                                                                                                          Contact:                                       Contact:
A copy of the policy can be found on our website or you
can request a copy be sent to you by contacting EFL:

 E   hr&businessoperations@efl.com

 T   01772 325800                                                                                                       OTHER USEFUL CONTACT                           OTHER USEFUL CONTACT

                                                                                                                          Name:                                          Name:

                                                                                                                          Contact:                                       Contact:

28   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS                                                                                             EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 29
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                

THE FA RESPECT
PROGRAMME
In 2008, the Respect programme was introduced as a response to
behavioural problems in football. It requires the FA, the leagues,
the clubs, players and spectators to work together to ensure that
a supportive and positive match day environment exists at all
levels of youth football.

Key to the development of young players is that they enjoy the
experience of playing and training, that they are able to respond
to the guidance of their club coaches and that they learn to take
independent decisions on the pitch. The Respect programme
supports these outcomes.

30 EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                             

                                                                                                                                                   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS 33
CONTACTS • CONTENTS • WELCOME • THE ACADEMY SYSTEM • PARTICIPATION • ACADEMY PERFORMANCE PLAN • PLAYER RECOGNITION SYSTEM • PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION

PLAYER AND SAFEGUARDING WELFARE • INDEPENDENT ADVICE • FEEDBACK • KEY CONTACTS • THE FA RESPECT PROGRAMME • YOUNG PLAYERS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT • SPECTATORS RESPECT CODE OF CONDUCT

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT • REPORTING DISCRIMINATION • FA EDUCATION AND WELFARE STATEMENT • APPRENTICESHIPS • TRIALS • EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES • CONFIRMATION OF RECEIPT                

EFL EQUALITY STATEMENT
The EFL is committed to ensuring that football
is inclusive of all communities and free from all
forms of discrimination. We are dedicated to
promoting equality on the grounds of any protected
characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

Everyone has the right to be             The EFL and member clubs                REPORTING DISCRIMINATION
treated with dignity and respect,        introduced regulatory commitments       The EFL has a reporting pathway
and the EFL is committed                 for all clubs including academies       to deal with any allegations of
to eliminating all forms of              to implement the Equality Code          hate crime, prejudicial and/or
discrimination incorporating             of Practice. The Equality Code of       discriminatory behaviour or conduct
direct, indirect, associative or         Practice sets out key areas all EFL     to ensure that all individuals
perceptive discrimination and all        clubs should look to address to         can raise their issue through the
forms of bullying, harassment            ensure they are inclusive across all    channels explained in this charter.
and victimisation. The ELF               areas of their business. In June 2016
                                                                                 The EFL also works closely with Kick
actively promotes equality,              the EFL introduced ground-breaking
                                                                                 it Out which provides a reporting
inclusion and diversity and an           new regulations aimed at tackling
                                                                                 service for discriminatory behaviour
ongoing commitment to tackling           the under-representation of Black,
                                                                                 through it’s ‘kick it out app’. The free
discrimination and hate crime            Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)
                                                                                 app provides users with the ability
on grounds of age, cultural              managers and coaches employed
                                                                                 to confidentially report incidents
background, class, race, ethnicity,      by clubs. The EFL also introduced
                                                                                 they may see, hear or witness at a
ability or disability, gender, sexual    Academy Audits and promotes
                                                                                 match. By attaching video, photo
orientation, gender reassignment,        and supports work concerning
                                                                                 and audio evidence to complaints
faith, religion and marital status.      other areas such as women and
                                                                                 this can help support investigations
                                         girl’s attendance, LGB&T (Lesbian,
                                                                                 into discriminatory abuse and
                                         Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)
                                                                                 behaviour across football (for more
                                         awareness, mental health and other
                                                                                 information please visit www.
                                         FA, PL and PFA led initiatives.
                                                                                 kickitout.org or download the free
                                                                                 app via the Apple or Android store).

34   EFL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CHARTER FOR ACADEMY PLAYERS AND PARENTS
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