July 25 – The European Club Association (ECA) has highlighted the significant challenges young players face in transitioning from academy to senior level, presenting recommendations and best practices for clubs to support their rising talents in a new report released today (Thursday).
The ‘Transition from Academy to First Team Football’ report, created in collaboration with Football Benchmark, examines the transition process in Europe, analyses its current state, and identifies best practices.
Amongst its findings, the study found the transition to the first team is often the most difficult phase for a player’s career, looking to provide recommendations for clubs of all sizes within the ECA to help guide young players through this crucial stage.
The report also identifies leagues and clubs that excel in providing first-team opportunities.
Between 2018/19 and 2022/23, the Premier League and EFL led the way with 381 and 353 first team debuts by academy developed players.
They are followed by top divisions in Italy, France, and Spain. Smaller countries like Czechia, Serbia, Denmark, Croatia, and Norway also ranked highly when considering population size.
Europa League champions Atalanta topped the club rankings with an average of eight debuts and seven transitions per season.
Dennis Te Kloese, ECA Executive Board member and ECA Youth Football Working Group lead, said: “Regardless of a club’s size, location or strategy, we believe this new ECA study provides a valuable resource to improve first team transition rates, build a sustainable talent pipeline in Europe and provide a competitive edge for those who implement the report’s best practices and suggestions.
“While it became clear during the preparation of the report that transition is not a process that can or should be standardised, it was also confirmed that there are many aspects of it that are possible to influence and improve. Some of these require a philosophical shift that can take years to materialise, while others can be implemented in a short amount of time by any club, regardless of available resources.”
The study emphasises the importance of quality coaching in developing quality players and notes the rise of individual transition coaching to oversee different transition areas. It also discusses the supporting environment for players, the role of various stakeholders, internal dynamics and best practices of top academies, and the regulatory and competition context in Europe.
Charlie Marshall, ECA CEO, said: “The topic of young players’ transition to first team football has been of considerable interest among ECA clubs in recent years and was identified as one the most pressing concerns related to youth development…
“For players, transition really is a crucial milestone in their career. For clubs, it can create a virtuous cycle: by committing resources, time and energy into the transition process, not only are short-term results boosted, but long-term expectations, for both the player and club, are also impacted positively.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1731637927labto1731637927ofdlr1731637927owedi1731637927sni@g1731637927niwe.1731637927yrrah1731637927