The Professional Development League replaced the Under-21 Professional Development League 2 from 2016/17, bringing together 21 Under-23 sides from Category Two Academies in two regional divisions before a national play-off for the honour of being overall champions.
The competition is one academy tier below Premier League 2, where the 26 Category One academy clubs play, and is split into the North and South Division, with no promotion or relegation.
Teams in the Professional Development League have applied for ‘Category Two’ status in the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).
Currently there are nine teams in the North Division and nine in the South. Each club plays every team in their regional league twice, once home and once away, and the two top sides from each division go into a play-off for the overall title.
As with Premier League 2, clubs are only allowed to field three outfield players over the age of 23, or born after 1 January 1997, plus the goalkeeper is also permitted to be over the age limit.
Each club must host at least five league matches at their main stadium during the course of the season, which helps to enhance the matchday experience for the young players and fans.
Member clubs' training grounds or Academy venues will be permitted for the staging of other home matches over the course of the league season.
Roll of Honour
2020/21
Professional Development League National Champions: Birmingham City
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Sheffield United
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Bristol City
2019/20
Professional Development League National Champions: N/A
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Nottingham Forest
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Millwall
* Final league positions determined by Points Per Game methodology due to season curtailment
2018/19
Professional Development League National Champions: Leeds United
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Leeds United
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Ipswich Town
2017/18
Professional Development League National Champions: Bolton Wanderers
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Bolton Wanderers
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Crystal Palace
2016/17
Professional Development League National Champions: Sheffield Wednesday
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Sheffield Wednesday
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Charlton Athletic
2015/16
Professional Development League National Champions: Huddersfield Town
Professional Development League North Division Champions: Huddersfield Town
Professional Development League South Division Champions: Charlton Athletic
