PREMIER LEAGUE

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES
EDUCATION AND WELFARE
General
163. Each Club which operates an Academy shall establish an Education Programme which shall
set out the activities to be undertaken by the Club to ensure that the education of its Academy
Players is supported effectively and which:
163.1. is appropriate to the Category of its Academy;
163.2. complies with all applicable requirements set out in this section of the Rules;
163.3. is approved by the League; and
163.4. is evaluated by the Club within each Development Phase to ensure it is meeting its
objectives as set out therein.
164. Each Club which operates an Academy shall ensure that each of its Academy Players receives
a formal education programme which:
164.1. is appropriate to his age;
164.2. meets his specific academic needs;
164.3. complies with all legal requirements;
164.4. is structured to ensure that his academic development is not compromised as a result
of his being coached by the Club’s Academy;
164.5. in the case of an Academy Player who is entered into a Scholarship Agreement with the
Club, consists of either the advanced apprenticeship framework for sporting excellence
(AASE) or any other programme of education approved in writing by the League in
conjunction with the PFA;
164.6. shall continue notwithstanding that the Academy Player signs a professional contract.
165. Each Academy Player’s educational progression under his Education programme shall be
recorded on his Performance Clock.
166. Each Club shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it protects the welfare of each of its
Academy Players by offering support for his wellbeing and pastoral care generally.
167. The provisions of Section S of the League’s Rules (concerning the Safeguarding of Vulnerable
Groups and Safe Recruitment) apply to Academies and Development Centres.
168. Without prejudice to the generality of Rule 167 each Club shall appoint an Academy
Safeguarding Officer who shall:
168.1. undertake the functions set out in Rule S.13 specifically with regard to the Academy; and
168.2. liaise with the Club’s Children’s Services’ Officer.
169. Clubs and Academy Staff shall observe and comply with the requirements of the Code of
Practice entitled “The Health and Safety of Academy Players on Residential Tours, Festivals,
Tournaments and Visits” set out in Appendix 3 and any breach thereof shall be treated as a
breach of these Rules.
170. Clubs shall ensure that their Academy Players are insured in accordance with advice circulated
by the League from time to time.
171. Clubs shall establish, maintain and, when necessary, implement a complaints procedure for
Academy Players and Parents, a copy of which shall be submitted to the League.
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