Written by
Training Ground Guru
January 6, 2025
Burnley have announced their intention to return to Category One Academy status from this summer after a break of three seasons.
The Clarets were demoted to Category Two at the end of 2021/22 after failing their audit. They had announced an intention to immediately return to the top tier, but then subsequently withdrew their application to do so.
Closes: January 13th
Under the charge of new Academy Manager Chris Casper, who joined from Salford City in November, the Clarets are now determined to return to Category One. They have already spoken to the Premier League and PGAAC (the Academy auditors) about their intention and will undergo a planned audit within the next couple of months.
The Clarets hope this will lead to the granting of a provisional one-year Category One licence in the summer, followed by an extension to the full three-year licence at the start of 2026/27.
Casper worked for Salford City for eight years, latterly as their Director of Football Development, before joining Burnley in November. He has strong links with Turf Moor – his father, Frank, played as a forward for the club from 1967 to 1976 and managed them from 1989 to 1991, while his son, Charlie, is a goalkeeper with their Under-21s.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are advertising for a new Head of Academy Coaching to replace Ash Higgins, who has departed after four years to become a Youth Coach Developer with the Football Association. You can see the advert on TGG Jobs.
Follow Us
For latest updates, follow us on X at @ground_guru
