Academy Awarded Category One Status (merged)

[Weretheweststand]

Don't they get more funding for a cat1 too? I'm sure I read that somewhere. Or did I just make that up?

Anyway, big news whatever!

I'm pretty sure we get more funding, but it actually costs more money because we have to employ a number of extra staff/coaches as a requirement for cat. 1, so it does end up costing more... But it doesn't count towards FFP so as long as TB is willing to fund it then it shouldn't matter too much.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Fantastic news. Congratulations to everyone involved at the club.

 

[brighton_girl87]

We did get Category 2 Status, two years ago. The status is reviewed every two years.

Oh I see.

 

[portslade seagull]

This is the way forward for us. Great news, expect a conveyor belt of talent in the future which is how we will survive and flourish

 

[daveinprague]

Outstanding.

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

Fantastic and means we don't need to sell kids like the 15 year old getting interest from Barcelona for pennies.

 

[Grombleton]

Splendid news. Well done to all involved for their hard work.

 

[Albumen]

What is the point if we don't have any players ?

Not even sarcasm. Unbelievable.

 

[fleet]

That's a lift for everyone - now a few decent signings and bring on the season!

 

[Bladders]

This is a big deal! Wow, we'll done to all involved.

Probably the most important news this summer

 

[WhingForPresident]

Just read that there are six other teams currently in the Championship with Cat 1 status.

Really positive news.

 

[Dorset Seagull]

Fantastic stuff, if you think things are exciting now then look back in a few years

 

[Soulman]

Fantastic news - U21, U18 & U16 will be playing against Premier League development teams this season.

The U12's first game is away to Arsenal..........

 

[matt]

 

[Psychobilly freakout]

Fantastic news for all involved which could one day result us churning out the next Peter Ward

 

[Paul Reids Sock]

Great news! Doesn't this mea it's harder to poach our young players as well?

 

[Eeyore]

It appears David Burke was central in this. David Burke-that one. You know. And there were some of us thinking that he sat drinking cups of coffee all day, and occasionally checking on players availability just after other clubs had managed to sign them.

 

[El Sid]

Great news! Doesn't this mea it's harder to poach our young players as well?

It'll cost em more. Minimum 200K I think.

 

[deletebeepbeepbeep]

Great news! Doesn't this mea it's harder to poach our young players as well?

It means we can 'poach' players from a lower grade category but perhaps more importantly we are protected for having our players taken for peanuts.

The whole scheme is horrible IMO but at least we won't get screwed by it, thanks to Tony and Martin et al.

 

[Silverhatch]

The academy pathway is fully open. We might well see Walton playing a lot of games in the Championship. How do people feel about that? I'll say **** it - let's see what the England u19 keeper can do in the fierce heat of the most competitive league in the world. If he swims then he could be our next big pay cheque.