Landmark moment for Leeds United

In granting Category One status, the Premier League recognises the club’s commitment to youth development and the quality of the environment provided for young players, with Leeds rewarded after an audit of its levels of investment, facilities, resources, staffing and productivity.

From next season, the club will receive increased funding and players will benefit from an elite game programme with the under-23s team competing in the national Premier League 2 and the under-18s playing in the U18 Premier League North.

Head of Academy Adam Underwood said: “We are delighted to receive confirmation of our Category One status and the credit must go to the staff who have given everything for the football club.

"They have brought through some of the best young players in the country and they will now get the opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Victor Orta, Angus Kinnear and especially Andrea Radrizzani for supporting our vision in every way.

"The investment into the Academy has tripled since they joined our club and they are creating a legacy that will help drive the club forward for decades to come.”

Chief executive Angus Kinnear added: “The real credit here must go to Adam Underwood and his team. A Category One Academy was one of our key objectives when we started on this journey and we tasked Adam with delivering this within five years and as a team they have completed the job within three years.

"Our academy has always been critical to our club and to be ‘Leeds’ is very important to our supporters. It is at the heart of our DNA, and today’s accolade is an acknowledgement of their efforts, enabling Adam and his staff to continue to produce even more quality footballers in the future.”