Academy awarded Category Two status

Following an audit by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), the Cherries’ youth set-up has been successfully reassigned.

AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told afcb.co.uk: “This exciting development is the latest positive step for us, with Bill continuing his plans to invest in and develop all aspects of the football club.

“Lots of hard work has been put into achieving Category Two status from staff in the academy and across the club, and is an example of what we are striving to achieve here.

“Following the integration of our women’s team, this is another crucial step for us in growing every area of AFC Bournemouth.

“We can now look ahead to continued success and development for the academy and the whole club.”

The step up in category means the whole of the academy will benefit from an improved games programme.

That improved programme sees the under-18s placed in a different league and the development squad enter the Professional Development League.

Academy manager Sam Gisborne commented: “This is great news for the academy and the whole club; we are really looking forward to taking this next step.

“I’d just like to say a massive thank you to all academy staff, past and present, for their hard work.

“Also, a special mention to Joe Roach, who deserves a lot of credit.”