Brentford’s Academy has been awarded Category Two status by the Premier League following a thorough audit from the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) in April.

The Bees will begin the 2024/25 season as a Category Two academy, while continuing to feed into the existing B team; an extension of the development pathway for young players.

Plans to introduce age groups from under-9s to under-16s, as well as an under-21s side, are already underway.

The academy will benefit from participating in an organised league programme while continuing our highly successful B-team games programme.

Brentford's B-team squad will support both the under-21s and B-team game schedules.

Stephen Torpey, academy director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received confirmation of our Category Two status.

“This represents the hard work from our dedicated staff and really highlights the rapid progression we have made since reintroducing our academy.

"Since arriving at the club, I have maintained that I want us to push boundaries and this news is another positive step in the right direction to where we ultimately want to be.

“As we also welcome new members of staff and players across various age groups, we are excited to grow the Brentford family.”

Torpey added: “Even before I arrived, the club had been committed to providing the best pathways to its young players, whether that be in the first team or at Football League clubs.

"We are convinced that progressing to Category 2 will only help us further in developing the best young talent. We are really excited at what lies ahead.”