Written by
Simon Austin
July 29, 2026
Wolves have retained their Category One Academy status for 2026/27 following last-minute negotiations with the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC).
The Midlands side were are at risk of having their Academy downgraded for the first time since the launch of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) in 2012 because of concerns about aspects of their facilities.
These related to infrastructure, including classrooms, changing rooms and pitches. However, Wolves began plans in January 2026 for a £10m improvement to their Academy base at Compton Park and PGAAC have granted them a reprieve, subject to completion of these works.
Planning permission has already been submitted and the expectation is that the project would be completed by the summer of 2027. When concerns were raised in the audit, the club also committed to £700,000 of immediate expenditure to put up temporary buildings to meet regulations on dressing room and classroom space for the upcoming season.
Last week a Wolves spokesperson told TGG: “The club has made a significant commitment to improving its Academy facilities and remains confident in both the progress already made and the plans in place to complete the remaining works.”
Bournemouth appealed refusal of their Cat 1 application at the end of last season and were subsequently promoted.
Wolves have retained their Category One Academy status for 2026/27 following last-minute negotiations with the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC)
The Midlands side were are at risk of having their Academy downgraded for the first time since the launch of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) in 2012 because of concerns about aspects of their facilities.
These related to infrastructure, including classrooms, changing rooms and pitches. However, Wolves began plans in January 2026 for a £10m improvement to their Academy base at Compton Park and PGAAC have granted them a reprieve, subject to completion of these works.
Planning permission has already been submitted and the expectation is that the project would be completed by the summer of 2027. When concerns were raised in the audit, the club also committed to £700,000 of immediate expenditure to put up temporary buildings to meet regulations on dressing room and classroom space for the upcoming season.
Last week a Wolves spokesperson told TGG: “The club has made a significant commitment to improving its Academy facilities and remains confident in both the progress already made and the plans in place to complete the remaining works.”
Bournemouth appealed refusal of their Cat 1 application at the end of last season and were subsequently promoted.
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