Manchester City granted category one academy status

Manchester City have been awarded category one academy status by the Football Association.

City are one of the first teams to be given the status under the new Elite Performance Player Plan.

City's chief football operations officer Brian Marwood was delighted that the title had been awarded to the club.

He said: "As part of our academy development plan, we've invested money, time and expertise into ensuring that Manchester City can provide young footballers with the absolute pinnacle of footballing educations.

"The development plan was born before the advent of EPPP as we continue to recognise a need to evolve not only talented football players but also well-rounded young men who will prove to be ambassadors for the club in the coming years."

City have announced plans to build a new training complex just across the road from the Etihad Stadium as the club looks to build a long-term plan under Sheikh Mansour.