Professional Football club youth academies are seen as the ultimate goal for any young footballer, but are they really all they are cracked up to be? Are they really the best place to be if you want to become a professional player? How many academy players actually get a professional contract? And can you make it without being there? 

These are the questions the we pose to Premier League academies expert and researcher, Dr James Dugdale, and the answers are fascinating! 

James is a Lecturer in Sport Science and Coaching at Edinburgh Napier University and an Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach with the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association. James’ research focuses on talent identification and development of youth athletes with a particular interest in youth football players. He has published a number of scientific research articles and book chapters on topics such as selection and deselection in youth sport, the influence of figures such as parents and coaches on youth development environments, and physical growth and performance in young, developing athletes. James has over a decade of experience working in both an applied and research capacity with sports teams and organisations, including several professional football academies. From a personal perspective, James was a competitive football player throughout his teenage years, most notably qualifying for the latter stages of a talent identification competition called ‘Football Icon’ and went on to trial at Chelsea FC.

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