Everton chief calls for review of England academy funding

Key facts

• Everton technical director Nick Cox believes Premier League youth development funding is skewed towards elite clubs.
• Cox argued that the current system does not promote the strongest overall football ecosystem.
• He pointed to England captain Harry Kane's development through multiple loan spells at various clubs.
• Cox called for a comprehensive review of the academy system, which has remained largely unchanged since 2012.
• He questioned whether the system promotes an unrealistic linear path to success for young players.

Everton technical director Nick Cox has called for a comprehensive review of the funding model for youth development in English football. Cox, a respected figure in academy circles, argued that the current system, while having invested over £1 billion since 2012, disproportionately benefits elite Premier League clubs.

Cox, who previously spent nine years at Manchester United's academy, including six as director, believes the investment is directed towards clubs that generate the most revenue, rather than fostering a robust overall football ecosystem. He noted that while over 80% of the England squad were affiliated with Premier League academies by age eight, many players, including captain Harry Kane, developed through loan spells at clubs outside the top tier.

He questioned whether the current academy structure promotes an unrealistic linear journey to success and whether parents and players are adequately educated about the realities of talent development. Cox suggested that the system has remained largely unchanged since the launch of the Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012, despite significant societal changes.