Everton Football Club operates an extensive and highly successful Youth Academy. Players such as Wayne Rooney, Richard Dunne, Michael Ball, Gavin McCann, Francis Jeffers and more recent players Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe make up some of the 20 graduates through our Academy since its inception in 1997.

The Academy has established new and improved structures for coaching, recruitment, medical and sports science support, administration, education and welfare.

The rise in transfer fees and the increase in value of young players has signalled a further need for the Club to support the Academy's pursuit of excellence.

The Club's current Academy structures already provide a degree of excellence which is evident in the number of youth players currently breaking into the first team.

The Club is fully committed to the Academy and recognises the importance of developing youth.

As Manager of Everton Football Club I am aware of the strong tradition of youth development and I will play my part in providing the opportunity for the young players to progress into the first team. Our supporters appreciate the attitude and commitment shown by home produced players and their enthusiasm often rubs off on their team-mates.

David Moyes, Manager

Players selected for our Academy are part of a long-term strategy and must have an ambition to play at the highest levels of the game both nationally and internationally. We have put together a development programme which will help players fulfil their potential. We call it 'The Everton Way'.

Ray Hall, Academy Manager

Everton is recognised, indeed, renowned, throughout world football as a Club which is not only steeped in history but as one which is a centre of sporting excellence for the aspiring young players of tomorrow. Whilst this reputation is well-deserved, it would not have been earned without the determination, dedication and professionalism of those within our Academy. We have always given our total, unswerving support to Everton Football Club's Academy and we shall continue to do so.

Bill Kenwright, Chairman