The National League have granted 22 Clubs an Academy Licence for the inaugural National League Football Academy season.
Starting on September 11th, the 2019/20 campaign will be formed of two regional divisions- twelve Clubs in the South and ten in the North- and Clubs will participate in an additional cup competition later in the season.
Head of Player Development, Gary Owers, said: “The National League and National League Youth Alliance is committed to Youth Development.
“As part of our ongoing strategic approach we have implemented a scheme for Clubs to demonstrate their own commitment to raising and maintaining standards in this area.
“The licencing process involved Clubs meeting required criteria set by The National League.
“The aim of a National League Football Academy is to provide an environment and player pathway which allows Clubs to develop and produce more and better home grown players”.
This Academy Licence sets us apart from other private football and college teams in the area.
For the Academy to be awarded this presitages Licence we had to evidence standards similar to that of the Football Leagues EPPP.
It’s designed to improve player pathways, improve playing and coaching standards and the standard of competition.
Academy Manager Chris Ganner said, “For the past three years we have struggled for a testing games program for our second year scholars.
We have far too often had to play under 17s players against local football programs to make sure that games were competitive.
This program now set the highest standard of completion outside of the football league and allows the best players across the country to compete against each other while offering a realistic pathway into professional and non league football.
It has been an excellent opportunity to grow our program and the club has financially supported our application to enhance our already successful Academy.
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL ACADEMY NORTH
Hartlepool United
York City
Guiseley
FC Halifax Town
Alfreton Town
AFC Fylde
Solihull Moors
Boston United
Chester
Darlington
NATIONAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL ACADEMY SOUTH
Chippenham Town
Dartford
Hampton and Richmond Borough
Maidenhead United
Bromley
Woking
Weston Super Mare
Boreham Wood
Dover Athletic
Sutton United
Oxford City
Aldershot Town
