London has long been a breeding ground for top footballing talent, with there being an array of state of the art academy facilities scattered across and on the outskirts of the capital. This city continues to produce elite players who have gone on to shine in the Premier League and further afield across Europe.
However, due to there being so many clubs based in London, knowing which ones are leading the way in youth development today is hard to pin down. It is for this reason we have explored some of the top academies in the capital, particularly category 1 set ups, looking at what makes them elite and which of them have recently produced some of the most promising young talents.
What Determines An Academy Being Category 1?
The highest status a football academy can earn in the English Football League is Category 1, something which is defined by the Elite Player Performance Plan. This was introduced by the Premier League back in 2012 and achieving this Category 1 status is no small feat. This requires clubs to meet a strict set of criteria in a whole number of unique areas.
Things such as coaching quality and staffing numbers, education partnerships, player welfare, medical, gym and recovery facilities, full time training programmes and long term development planning are all factored into consideration by the EPPP. Academies which go on to earn Category 1 status receive the highest funding levels, seeing their sides face other elite competition in the U18 Premier League and Premier League 2. This ensures that their young players regularly compete at the highest possible standard and allows these youngsters to go on and flourish on the biggest stage.
Chelsea
For many years now, Cobham Training Ground has widely been regarded as one of the best academies in Europe, not just London. Chelsea’s state of the art facilities have played a vital role in developing a golden generation of talent in recent years. They have churned out a continuous stream of Premier League ready players who often go on to become popular in sports and matched betting markets for earning international call ups.
England internationals such as Levi Colwill, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are just some top flight regulars they have produced, with Ian Maatsen and Tyler Dibling being others who have become highly sought after youngsters. It is Chelsea’s ability to blend domestic and international talent with elite coaching which has kept them at the pinnacle of academy football in England.
Arsenal
Another youth setup that has been synonymous with talent for decades is Arsenal’s Hale End. In recent years especially, the Gunners have seen a renowned focus on promoting youngsters to their first team, with some standout names including Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Emile Smith-Rowe and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
All of these players have already been capped by several levels of England’s international teams, with the attacking football of the development sides mirroring the club’s philosophy at a senior level. It is for this reason which has allowed for academy graduates to transition smoothly to the senior level, solidifying Arsenal as one of the best academies in London in the process.
Tottenham
From one North London ‘big 6’ academy to another, Tottenham’s Hotspur Way development facility is another top tier operation who has procured many players who have gone on to break through into the EFL. Notable products in recent seasons include Noni Madueke, Mikey Moore, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, as well as current Sunderland duo Romaine Mundle and Denis Cirkin, all of which show Spurs remain committed to producing top youth talent, many of which they ship off to other top English sides.
Fulham
Although they often fly under the radar, Fulham remains one of the most consistent Category 1 academies who have frequently provided pathways for youngsters to the first team. Players such as current first teamer Josh King, graduates Harvey Elliot, Fabio Carvalho, Jay Stansfield, and Tottenham full backs Djed Spence and Ryan Sessengon have all once been a part of the Motspur Park academy. Besides these names, many of their other products have gone on to be highly capable players in the top tiers of English football.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s South London academy underwent a major overhaul in the early 2020s, securing category 1 status in 2020 before opening a youth facility in the following year. This £20 million pound investment has already started to pay back dividends for the Eagles as standout telnets from this new era include David Ozoh, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Jake O’Brien, Kwadwo Baah and Tyrick Mitchell. Many of these players have gone on to make first team appearances for Crystal Palace, with their recruitment particular in the South London area giving them access to players who have previously been part of other London academies.
West Ham
Historically, West Ham have been known for producing quality young players, something which has continued in the modern era of the Premier League too. The category 1 Chadwell Heath setup has seen many exciting youngsters pass through its doors, many of who have gone on to be poached by other leading academies across the UK. Ayden Heaven, Oliver Scales, Divin Mubama, Sonny Perkins, Pierre Ekwah and Harrison Ashby are all recent alumni, with the Hammers’ identity still being deeply rooted in nurturing homegrown talent. So much so, their category 1 status ensures that this tradition will likely remain central in their future.
