Measures of academy productivity in English championship clubs

Purpose This study quantifies academy productivity within English football clubs that have competed in the second tier (Championship) between 2017 and 2020. Previous research has outlined situated underneath top leagues an important role development of elite professional players. aims to examine level pathway further England. Design/methodology/approach The utilisation players was conducted with data from 33 eligible clubs, 2017/2018 2019/2020. Two measures are defined for comparison: “Utilisation” (the total minutes played by graduates) “Starts” number times player started first team). To quantify these measures, clubs’ indices were also through two perspectives: “global” (proportion all games 2019/2020) “local” featured only). Nationality position included. Findings Headline findings demonstrate large differences type proportion playing opportunities created. outlines graduates greater starts cup competitions, particularly Football League cup. Clubs sample being relegated Premier into Championship recorded weaker “utilisation” “starts” compared those lower divisions. Academies producing using a defensive (goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders) more attacking sectors pitch. Originality/value offers useful insight managers, allowing comparisons clubs. It implications future strategies around approaches generating opportunity.