The Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan was introduced in 2012 with the aim of producing more and better homegrown players.
It consists of four key functions – Games Programme, Education, Coaching and Elite Player Performance.
For an overview visit premierleague.com/youth/EPPP, or for an in-depth look at Education within the programme, read below.
Education
The Premier League aims to provide world-class education via inspirational and innovative teaching, which develops educationally rounded people through the delivery of a holistic approach.
The League has its own Education Department that delivers a programme to support the technical, tactical, physical, mental, lifestyle and welfare development of all Academy players.
The Premier League is also responsible for the formal education programmes for all Apprentices aged 16-19 who have signed a full-time Scholarship Agreement at a PL Club.
The Education department also oversees and monitors clubs' full-time, hybrid and part-time training models to ensure that the academic progression of players is maintained.
The education programme, which was given an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted in 2010, 2017 and 2023, consists of the following areas.
Learning Management System (LMS)
The Learning Management System is a new online support service developed and maintained by the League. It is utilised by each club for the purposes of assisting the management of the Academy Player’s educational attainment data.
The LMS will allow key data to be updated on the Academy Player’s Performance Clock and enable clubs to record the educational progression and attainment for all its Academy Players
Education Support Managers (ESMs)
Education Support Managers support the work of the Club Support Managers in relation to the educational function of the department’s work.
They are responsible for monitoring the delivery and quality of the Apprenticeship programme and for educational aspects around the club’s full-time and hybrid (school release) training models.
Safeguarding
The Premier League and our clubs are committed to protecting and promoting the welfare and well-being of the children and young people we engage with.
Each Premier League club has in place a dedicated full-time Head of Safeguarding and an Academy Safeguarding Officer. The members of staff fulfilling these roles are at the heart of club development of young talent and can provide you with support and advice in relation to any concerns you may have and how to deal with them so it is important to know who they are.
For further information or advice, or to raise a concern, visit our safeguarding page via the following link: https://www.premierleague.com/safeguarding