It is EFL Youth Development Week, celebrating the work being done by clubs in the EFL to develop young players.
The EFL plays a vital role in the development of young talent across the game in England and Wales.
From producing players for the first team and providing opportunities for the best young talent on loan from the Premier League, to helping all levels of the England squad to prosper, EFL clubs play a crucial role in developing the next generation of players for club and country.
EFL academy developed players contribute between 250,000 and 300,000 minutes on the pitch each season across the three divisions. That is equivalent to every club having approximately one academy-developed player on the pitch for the full 90 minutes of all 46 regular league games.
Through its strong regional support, youth-focused competitions and development programmes, the EFL academy system produces top-tier footballers ready for life on and off the pitch.
The EFL is fully committed to an academy system that offers a holistic, life-enriching experience for all players.
