Wolves academy risks Category One downgrade, decision due Monday | OneFootball

Wolves risk losing their Category One academy status, with a decision due on Monday despite a planned facilities upgrade, ExpressAndStar.com understands.

The club are in talks with the Professional Game Academy Audit Company and the Men’s Professional Game Committee over their categorisation for the 2026/27 season.

Wolves have held the top grade since 2012, but the latest audit raised concerns around pitches, classrooms and changing rooms, which could see a drop to Category Two. Coaching, education, sports science, medical provision and player care were not flagged.

In response, plans were launched in January for a £10million upgrade to be finished by summer 2027, intended to meet Category One standards. Chairman Nathan Shi and the leadership view the academy, and its improvement, as crucial.

Planning permission has been submitted and the club hope talks will allow them to retain Category One while works proceed. A £700,000 outlay has already been made to meet dressing room and classroom space rules for the coming season.

The club have shown commitment to delivering the required facilities and plan to continue investing, with a final decision still pending. Category One status permits national recruitment without geographical limits and access to higher youth tiers and Premier League funding.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com