League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

AFC Bournemouth appeals academy's failed Category One status

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 10:27 AM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

AFC Bournemouth appeals academy's failed Category One status

Summary

AFC Bournemouth is appealing the decision that their academy failed to achieve Category One status. This status is the highest level awarded to clubs in the professional game under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). The club received Category Two status in 2023 and made the application based on an independent audit of their facilities. The application was rejected due to issues with the number of pitches at their new Performance Centre, opened in April 2025. Bournemouth intends to address the concerns in their appeal.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Bournemouth applied for Category One status after a Category Two designation in 2023.
•The independent audit cited insufficient pitch availability at the Performance Centre.
•The £32m training facility was inaugurated in April 2025.
•Bournemouth is actively seeking to resolve the issues raised in their appeal.

Latest Updates

10:27 AMYahoo Sports — Cherries to appeal academy decision

What they're saying

"
AFC Bournemouth are in the process of appealing after its academy failed to achieve Category One status. Category One is the highest status awarded to a club within the professional game under the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). The EPPP is a long-term youth development strategy that was introduced in 2012 as a result of a consultation between the Premier League, the FA and the EFL.
— Yahoo Sports

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EPL Soccer