Academy Upgrade Means Tougher Test For Scholars

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Clarets sign just one first-year scholar as new level means new standards

2021-02-26T10:30:00.000Z

Academy Upgrade Means Tougher Test For Scholars

Clarets sign just one first-year scholar as new level means new standards

2021-02-26T10:30:00.000Z

Youth team start season at home to Bristol City as U18 Professional Development League fixtures confirmed

The Clarets have offered only one member of their academy a scholarship place for next season.

Goalkeeper Charlie Casper is the only one of the current Under-16s group at Turf Moor who will start a two-year term as a full-time scholar (apprentice).

And Academy Manager Jon Pepper said the decision reflects the Clarets’ move to Category 1 status for their academy setup last summer and the need to raise the quality of playing recruits to compete at U18 Premier League level and potentially progress to the senior ranks.

“The Academy has progressed very quickly in a short space of time, moving from Category 3 to Category 1 over the last four seasons,” explained Pepper.

“Therefore, many of the group are a product of their earlier years at Category 3. A larger number of these players would have been offered scholarships in recent years but the demand now from the club and at Category 1 is that we require players of a much higher standard.

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“Hence, there’s an additional challenge now for our recruitment department to find players with high potential and for the coaches to help them realise this potential – to ensure they become an asset for the football club.”

The Clarets will look to add further scholars to next season’s intake “as and when we have identified the players that meet the profile and standards that we are seeking,” according to Pepper.

But from the homegrown ranks, it’s only Casper – grandson of former Burnley striker and manager Frank – who has been kept on to try and pursue a career with the Clarets.

“Charlie has a great family history connected with the club, but he has earned this opportunity himself with his progress through the age groups,” added Pepper.