Bolton Wanderers’ Academy has been ranked fourth out of all 92 clubs in English football as part of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan.
Every youth set-up in the country is awarded a ‘productivity score’ based on the players it has produced in the last three years.
The Whites have seen numerous players progress through their youth ranks into the first team in recent years, including the likes of Josh Vela, Zach Clough and Rob Holding.
And with Alex Perry and Jack Earing the latest youngsters to make their first team debuts during the 2016/17 season, Bolton Academy Manager Jimmy Phillips is delighted with the work being done behind the scenes at Macron Stadium.
Reflecting on the findings with bwfc.co.uk, Phillips said; “We were audited in March and for that there is a productivity schedule that is compiled on behalf of the Premier league.
“The most pleasing stat to come out of it was that out of the Football League clubs and Premier League clubs, we were categorised as the fourth most productive academy in the county for the last three years.
“We also ranked second out of all of Category Two teams, and third out of all of the 72 Football League teams.
“It’s a stat all the full-time and part-time staff here can be pleased with and proud of.
“We’re bringing lads to the club and at Under-9s and seeing them progress and go on to play for the first team like Josh Vela.
“Along that process there is a whole host and variety of people who have helped in each player’s development.
“All the full-time and part-time staff have worked very well together in developing in our players.”