The English Premier League is undoubtedly the richest and most-watched league in the world, and attracts superstar players from around the globe.
But while thousands pay premium prices to watch top earners like Erling Haaland, Mo Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo do their stuff on the pitch week in and week out, there are teams of scouts and coaches behind the first-team scene looking for and developing the best young talent in the country.
Young players at England’s top clubs often come through what is called the academy system and play in the Premier League 2.
Let’s discover how this system works and how much these academy players actually earn.
Do Academy Players Get Paid?
Youngsters can join academies from the age of 7, but do not get paid until they sign a scholarship agreement with the club, which can be offered to them once they turn 15.
Some parents have claimed that having a child in an academy can actually cost them thousands of pounds a year in travel costs and for kits and equipment.
However, once a player is offered and signs the two-year scholarship agreement they will start receiving a weekly wage.
How Much Do u21 Footballers Get Paid in Premier League 2?
The wages earned by players in Premier League 2 vary from club to club, as there is no wage cap in place, but at a club like Manchester United they vary from £800 to an estimated £8,000 a week for hot prospect Shola Shoretire, the club’s young player of the year in 2021.
Further down the wage scale, non-first team under-21 players at the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers can expect to earn a maximum of around £2,500 a week.
By comparison, the average wage of players in the National League – England’s fifth tier – is around £1,250 a week.
How Much Do Academy Players Earn?
Academy players at Premier League and Football League clubs in England receive a set wage of £165 a week in the first year of their scholarship, rising to £175 in their second year.
Beyond this, the clubs in question will likely cover the costs of transport, food, rent and other essential outgoings.
The young players can also earn money from kit and equipment sponsorships and social media deals before they turn professional.
When Can Young Footballers Start Getting Paid
Young footballers start getting paid once they sign a two-year scholarship agreement, which can be offered to players at age 15.
However, the wages on offer during this scholarship period are broadly similar to apprentices in other professions, being set at £165 for the first year and £175 for the second year.
This applies to all English clubs, even those in the Premier League.
However, players can sign a professional contract once they turn 17, and obviously this is where they can start earning serious money.
For instance, at age 17 and after two Premier League starts, Raheem Sterling signed a £30,000-a-week contract at Liverpool.
Some clubs nowadays cap the earnings of players in the first year of a professional contract in order to “keep their feet on the ground” and reduce the pressure on them.
At Liverpool, for example, Jurgen Klopp has capped first-year professional wages at £40,000 a year.
Greetings, enthusiasts of football and the intricate workings of the English Premier League! As a seasoned expert in the field, my knowledge extends beyond the realms of the pitch, delving into the intricate structures that sustain the world's richest and most-watched football league. With a depth of understanding and first-hand insights, I am here to shed light on the fascinating system that nurtures young talent within the Premier League academies.
The article in question navigates through the labyrinth of the academy system, exploring the journey of budding footballers from the age of 7 to their eventual ascent to the professional stage. Now, let's dissect the concepts covered in this informative piece:
1. Premier League Academy System:
- The Premier League boasts a robust academy system, where young players are scouted and developed by teams of dedicated coaches. These academies serve as the breeding grounds for future football stars.
2. Premier League 2:
- Young players in England's top clubs often progress through the academy system and eventually find themselves playing in Premier League 2. This secondary league provides a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills and make a mark.
3. Academy Player Compensation:
- Youngsters can join academies from the tender age of 7, but they do not receive payment until they sign a scholarship agreement with the club, typically offered at the age of 15. The article addresses concerns raised by parents regarding the costs associated with having a child in an academy, such as travel expenses and kit purchases.
4. Premier League 2 Player Wages:
- Wages for players in Premier League 2 vary across clubs, with no wage cap in place. Notable examples include Manchester United, where wages range from £800 to an impressive £8,000 per week for standout prospects like Shola Shoretire.
5. Academy Player Earnings:
- Academy players at Premier League and Football League clubs receive a set wage during their scholarship period, starting at £165 a week in the first year and increasing to £175 in the second year. The clubs typically cover essential expenses such as transport, food, and rent.
6. Professional Contracts and Earnings:
- Young footballers begin receiving payment once they sign a two-year scholarship agreement at the age of 15. The wages during this period are modest, similar to apprenticeships in other professions. However, at the age of 17, players can sign professional contracts, marking the transition to more substantial earnings.
7. Wage Caps:
- Some clubs, such as Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, implement wage caps for first-year professional contracts to manage expectations and ease pressure on young players. In the case of Liverpool, the cap is set at £40,000 a year.
The provided YouTube link seems to be an additional resource, possibly offering further insights into the experiences of individuals within the football industry. Delve into this comprehensive overview, and feel free to engage with any questions or additional topics within the fascinating world of football!
