Burnley Academy to remain Category Two after application withdrawn
Burnley's Academy was demoted to Category Two last summer
Written by Simon Austin — May 9, 2023
BURNLEY will not be returning to Category One Academy status next season after withdrawing their application, TGG understands.
Last summer the Clarets had their Category One licence withdrawn after the Professional Game Board ratified a decision by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) to demote them. The club had previously enjoyed a remarkable rise from Category Three to One within the space of just three years.
As TGG reported in January, Burnley had submitted a letter to PGAAC of their intention to return to top Academy status. They then submitted a more detailed application, in which they explained how they would meet the top-tier requirements.
The next stage would have been a meeting with PGAAC, prior to the Audit Company making an on-site visit to Burnley’s Barnfield Academy. However, the Clarets verbally withdrew their application before this next stage could take place.
This means they will remain Category Two for another season at least, depending on their ambitions and strategy for their Academy in the longer-term.
Burnley have enjoyed a magnificent season at senior level, securing an immediate return to the Premier League in early April, while playing a possession-based style of football under new manager Vincent Kompany.
Elsewhere, Reading have applied to return to Category One, while Bournemouth and Fleetwood Town have applied to be promoted to Category Two. The three clubs have all been audited and the Professional Game Board will meet in the coming weeks to make a final decision on their applications.
Like Burnley, Luton Town had submitted a letter of intent and applied to be promoted (in this case to Category Two) but they also withdrew from the process before a meeting or on-site visit from PGAAC.
The Hatters have been unable to gain planning permission from their local council for a new indoor dome, which is a requirement of Category Two under EPPP.
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