Wolves retain Category One academy status after scare | OneFootball

Wolves have kept their Category One academy status for 2026/27 after a scare, with approval granted this week on condition planned facility upgrades are delivered.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the club were in talks with the Professional Game Academy Audit Company and the Men's Professional Game Committee after concerns over infrastructure around pitches, classrooms and changing rooms. The deterioration occurred under former chairman Jeff Shi, and it is understood new chairman Nathan Shi and the leadership team view the academy as central and remain committed to investment.

The quality of coaching, education, sports science, medical provision and player care was not questioned, yet the academy still faced a potential downgrade to Category Two.

Wolves committed £700,000 to meet regulations on dressing room and classroom space for the coming season in an effort to retain top-tier status. They also pledged £10 million towards a longer-term plan to secure that standing.

Planning permission for the £10 million project has been submitted, with completion targeted by the summer of 2027.

Remaining Category One keeps Wolves in the highest classification, protects Premier League funding, maintains access to higher youth development tiers and avoids Category Two’s tighter recruitment geography.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com