Data
What actually happens to academy players.
Release rates, scholarship conversion, and the birth quarter effect, by category and club. Every number linked to its source. Tools coming through autumn 2026.
97%
Category 1 players aged 21 to 26 with no Premier League appearance.
Premier League data via i, 2022
11%
Category 1 players who reach 20+ league appearances as professionals. 6% at Category 2, 3% at Category 3.
Premier League Parent Hub
44%
Of academy players in one 10-year study were born in the first three months of the selection year.
University of Essex, 2024
56%
Of scholars in a 299-player cohort got any professional deal at 18. By 26, 90% had left or moved down the pyramid.
Chris Platts, longitudinal study