EFL Youth Development Week 2026 | Raised in the EFL

11th September
Club
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Swansea City is proud to join Clubs across the EFL in celebrating Raised in the EFL. 

Taking place between 11–25 September, Raised in the EFL shines a light on the great work taking place at our Club and across the League to develop the next generation of footballing talent. 

The EFL is a powerhouse of youth development, producing top tier footballers for Club and country. The EFL’s dynamic games programme, offering competitive fixtures from under-9 to under-21 level, provides young players with essential experience at every stage of their footballing journey.  

Every Club in the EFL contributes to this success story - whether through developing players in their own Academy, providing senior playing opportunities to young professionals on loan, or supporting emerging talent within the First Team environment.  Alongside this, the League’s holistic approach to player development ensures young footballers receive the tools, education, wellbeing support and elite coaching environment required to reach their full potential. WE

We are proud of the role we play in supporting young players. Last season, over 25%  of minutes were played by academy graduates.

Arthur Parker and Thomas Woodward made their first team debuts, whilst over 10 players excelled out on loan in the Scottish Premiership, Irish Premier Division and the EFL.

Throughout the Raised in the EFL window, we will be sharing stories that highlight our commitment to youth development - from Academy pathways to loan success stories and the staff who help young players progress. 

Join us as we showcase our homegrown talent, our young professionals and the people who support their journey. #RaisedInTheEFL 

League‑wide impact continues to grow. Some stats from last season: 

  • 290 players made their First Team debut across the EFL.
  • 174 Academy players made their professional debuts in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy.
  • 57% of players who completed their apprenticeships at EFL Academies received either a professional contract or extended scholarship at the end of the 2024/25 season.
  • U21 players accounted for 23% of all Sky Bet EFL appearances.
  • More than 2,000 young players took part in the EFL’s National Youth Futsal Tournaments. 
Academy