Since the introduction of Academies and the 'Charter for Quality' in 1998, the process of developing players has become increasingly complex. Academies have developed a holistic approach which supports the main core activity - the coaching programme.

Over the years there has been little strategic review, amendment or direction from the governing bodies within 'elite football'.

The EPPP
The EPPP has been developed following consultations with Premier League clubs, their Academy Managers and staff, the Football League, the Football Association as well other key stakeholders within professional football.

Its aim is to provide a vision for the future development of the game and it proposes the first fully comprehensive revision of the 'Charter for Quality'. This will provide an action plan for the modernisation of youth development within professional clubs.

EPPP - Key Principles

1 - To create a genuine 'elite' training environment which aspires to be world-leading. This is a proposition for the professional game which is designed by the professional game to give the means to develop home-grown talent.

2 - The development of a world-leading youth system to deliver an environment which promotes excellence and nurtures talent to a level which allows players to play first-team football for the team which developed them.

3 - The EPPP is a long-term plan which must be technically excellent and financially viable both now and in the future. To do this the system must be regularly reviewed, updated and improved.

4 - The EPPP is linked to the development of a classification system for the youth development system.

The Proposed new Classification System
It is proposed to introduce a 'fair' category academy system. The new classification will reflect the ambitions of the club to extend the 'elite' environment. It is designed so that each club can make its own strategic decisions as to its own priorities with regards to development of home-grown players and work towards a classification which is relevant to the individual club.

The 10 Key Performance Indicators
The classification system will recognise and reflect diversity and individuality of each club, however it is suggested that there will be a number of key performance indicators. These will be measured nationally and internationally.

1 Vision and Strategy
2 Leadership and Management
3 Coaching/Development Programme
4 Education
5 Games Programme
6 Athletic Development Programme
7 Player Development Programme
8 Talent Identification, Recruitment and Registration
9 Facilities
10 Corporate and Financial Stability

Clubs will be grouped into various categories, ranging from One to Four with One being the highest possible accreditation.