Historic Category One status granted to Leeds United's Thorp Arch academy by Premier League

A Premier League audit earlier in the season assessed the Whites’ investment, facilties, resources, staffing and productivity and recognised their commitment to youth development. What it means for Leeds United is an increase in funding from the Premier League and the club’s Under-23s and 18s will be involved in the elite-game programme.

The 23s will take part in the national Premier League 2, with their Under-18 counterparts in the Premier League North. It also brings the possibility of future UEFA Youth League involvement.

Leeds believed that their academy operation, thanks to the work of Adam Underwood and his relationship with first-team head coach Marcelo Bielsa, was already operating at an elite level. But the Premier League’s Category One status is an official rubberstamping of that belief.

Leeds have been the fourth-most productive youth system in English football in the past six years when it comes to players coming through the ranks to feature in the first team.

This season, Kalvin Phillips has been a central part of the Championship leading Whites’ promotion bid, while Jamie Shackleton, Robbie Gotts and Oliver Casey have also all made appearances for Bielsa’s senior side. Underwood credits his academy staff for giving Leeds youngsters a chance to take on the very best of their peers in England.

“They have given everything for the football club and have brought through some of the best young players in the country, who they will now get the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level,” he said.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Victor Orta, Angus Kinnear and especially Andrea Radrizzani for supporting our vision in every way.

“The investment into the Academy has tripled since they joined our club and they are creating a legacy for decades to come.”

Chief executive Angus Kinnear added: “The real credit here must go to Adam Underwood and his team. A Category One Academy was one of our key objectives when we started on this

journey and we tasked Adam with delivering this within five years and, as a team, they have completed the job within three years.

“Our Academy has always been critical to our club and to be ‘Leeds’ is very important to our supporters. It is at the heart of our DNA, and today’s accolade is an acknowledgement of their efforts, enabling Adam and his staff to continue to churn out even more quality footballers in the future.”