Forest Green Rovers has today announced a restructuring of its Academy programme following a review of its long-term sustainability.
The Club has taken the difficult decision to reduce the scope of the Academy, with operating costs currently exceeding £1 million per year—an unsustainable level for a club of its size.
In the first year following relegation out of the Football League, clubs continue to receive full Premier League funding for their Academies. However, in the second season after relegation, the grant is halved. For any seasons after that, clubs receive only the Youth Development Grant which goes to all National League sides.
Under the new structure, the Academy will continue to operate squads at Under-15, Under-16, and the Under-18 Scholarship Programme level. The scholarship programme remains the flagship of the Academy, providing young players with a two-year football apprenticeship and a clear pathway into the professional game.
As part of the changes, the Club will discontinue its programmes for players aged Under-9 through to Under-14.
Chairman Dale Vince said: “This was a tough decision because I love what we do at the Academy—but the fact is, at over £1 million per year, it’s unsustainable for a club our size.
“We’re reducing the scope of the Academy, but we will continue to fund the Under-15s, Under-16s, and Under-18 squads—that’s the good news. Forest Green Rovers is one of just two clubs in the National League to offer Academy-standard opportunities to nurture local talent, and that will continue, albeit on a smaller scale.
Mr Vince said the Club is supporting Head of Academy Yan Klukowski and his staff during this period. He added: “We’re talking to the staff from the Academy to offer the support and assistance that we can and we’ll be meeting the parents to explain the situation.”
The Club remains committed to developing young players and providing a pathway into professional football, while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of its operations.
