The Premier League has awarded Crystal Palace F.C’s Academy Category 1 status following an independent assessment – the highest category possible for academies in the country.
The decision means that the club will rank alongside 26 other elite Category 1 Academies such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. The promotion ensures that Palace’s games programme is also enhanced – the Under-18s will play in the Premier League: South division, whilst the Under-23s will compete in Premier League 2 next season.
Palace has a rich history in developing world-class football talent, with 36 players coming through the Academy ranks to reach the first-team in the last 15 years, making more than 1,000 appearances collectively for the Eagles.