The 25 Best English Football Club Academies – Ranked
English football academies are the heartbeat of the game, turning young prospects into stars who shine in the Premier League and across Europe. Training Ground Guru’s 2024/25 rankings reveal which clubs produced the most players to feature in England’s top five divisions or Europe’s big leagues last season. Here’s the full countdown from 25 to 1.
25. Newcastle United
Newcastle’s academy has long been proud of producing club legend Alan Shearer. While the northeast club has struggled to replicate that level of success in recent years, they still remain a key part of English football’s youth development scene.
24. Crystal Palace
Palace have consistently produced exciting talent for both their own squad and the wider football pyramid. Their academy remains one of the best environments for young players to get early first-team exposure.
23. Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s reputation for smart recruitment extends to their youth system. Their academy graduates have increasingly played roles in the Seagulls’ rise to Premier League stability.
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22. Leicester City
Despite dropping to the Championship, Leicester’s academy remains a strong pipeline for talent. Players like Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came through their ranks and made an impact at the top level.
21. Norwich City
Norwich’s academy continues to produce Premier League-level players despite their yo-yo status. Jacob Murphy is among the notable names to have graduated from the Canaries’ setup.
20. Blackburn Rovers
Rovers boast a proud history of youth development stretching back decades. Their academy has been crucial in supplying talent to the English game across multiple generations.
19. Sunderland
Sunderland’s academy is one of the best in the country, having developed stars like Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford. Even outside the top flight, they continue to nurture players who make it to the highest level.
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18. Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s investment in youth has paid dividends, producing numerous first-team players. Their steady stream of talent has been key to keeping the club competitive.
17. Fulham
Fulham’s academy has long been a quiet force in London football. They consistently turn out technically sound players who fit their progressive style of play.
16. Reading
Reading have produced a surprising number of top players in recent years. Michael Olise, now at Bayern Munich, is the crown jewel of their academy success.
15. West Bromwich Albion
The Baggies maintain a proud tradition of nurturing homegrown players. Their youth setup provides a pathway for talent that keeps the club competitive.
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14. Derby County
Derby’s academy has a rich history of producing technically skilled footballers. Will Hughes and Tom Huddlestone are among their most famous graduates.
13. Leeds United
Leeds’ academy remains crucial to their identity. Daniel Farke’s willingness to trust youth has allowed several homegrown players to shine in senior football.
12. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves’ academy has developed into a Premier League talent factory. Their integration of academy players into the first team is key to their long-term strategy.
11. Aston Villa
Villa’s academy is one of the most respected in the country. They continue to provide top-level players who contribute in the Premier League and beyond.
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10. Sheffield United
Despite having a Category Two academy, Sheffield United have produced elite defenders like Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker. Their latest talent, Oliver Arblaster, is now emerging as a senior star.
9. Southampton
Southampton’s academy is one of the most famous in the world. It has produced players like Harrison Reed, Tyrone Mings, and Nathan Tella, with Tyler Dibling impressing before his move to Everton.
8. West Ham United
West Ham’s “Academy of Football” nickname is well deserved. Declan Rice, Rio Ferdinand, and Frank Lampard are all graduates, and Oliver Scarles and George Earthy look set to carry on that tradition.
7. Liverpool
Liverpool’s youth system continues to deliver top talent. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are mainstays, and Arne Slot gave more minutes to academy players than any other Premier League manager last season.
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6. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s academy has produced one of the Premier League’s greatest ever strikers, Harry Kane. They have also developed Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp, and nurtured Noni Madueke before his rise.
5. Manchester City
City’s Etihad Campus is producing elite-level talent. Phil Foden is the standout graduate, with Cole Palmer and Kieran Trippier also rising through the ranks before starring elsewhere.
4. Everton
Everton’s youth system is enjoying a resurgence. Anthony Gordon, Roman Dixon, and Harrison Armstrong have all made their mark, while the club’s ability to prepare players for careers elsewhere is one of its great strengths.
3. Manchester United
Manchester United’s Carrington academy is one of the most famous in world football. Kobbie Mainoo is the current poster boy, while alumni like Angel Gomes and Scott McTominay continue to thrive abroad.
2. Arsenal
Arsenal’s Hale End academy is producing a golden generation, led by Bukayo Saka. Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri are exciting teenage talents ensuring the Gunners’ future remains bright.
1. Chelsea
Chelsea’s Cobham academy remains the benchmark for youth development. With 18 graduates appearing across major leagues last season and stars like Reece James leading the way, their dominance is clear.
