EVERY year, 25,000 children try out for a place at the Right to Dream Academy near Accra. With its links to FC Nordsjælland in Denmark, the Academy offers unique opportunities to youngsters in West Africa.

LEAGUE ONE Sunderland have retained Category One status, keeping them among the 24 highest-ranked Academies in the country.

ACADEMY Operations Manager Lee Herron has been chosen to head up Arsenal’s new Talent ID department, which replaces their former youth scouting section.

FORMER Nottingham Forest midfielder Chris Cohen has been promoted to Under-23 coach at the City Ground, with former team-mate Andy Reid assisting him.

KRIS VAN DER HAEGEN, Director of Coach Education for the Belgian FA, outlines the five primary reasons why children stay in sport - or drop out.

TRIBUTES have been paid to Forest Green Rovers Under-18s coach Chris Barker, who has died at the age of 39.

TRAINING GROUND GURU is launching a new jobs section, aimed at showcasing the best opportunities in coaching, performance, medical and analysis available in professional football.

FORMER player Michael Gilkes has replaced Ged Roddy as Reading’s new Academy Manager.

GED RODDY has been sacked as Reading Academy Manager after less than two years at the club, TGG understands.

NEIL BATH, Chelsea’s long-serving Head of Youth Development, says the club is finally realising its 15-year dream for the Academy.

LIVERPOOL'S new Elite Development Coach, Vitor Matos, explains what his role involves and how he is a 'connector' between Academy and first team.

FORMER Sheffield United Academy Manager Travis Binnion has been appointed as Under-14s to 16s lead coach at Manchester United.