The state of play as Birmingham City's academy faces Category One downgrade

The uncertainty surrounding the categorisation of Birmingham City’s academy will become clear on Thursday, after the Professional Game Board meets to consider downgrading the facility from Category One to Category Two status.

Blues, who have been Cat 2 for virtually all of their academy’s lifespan, were upgraded last summer after the club successfully applied for the top tier ranking. However, that upgrade was conditional for one year, with an audit to confirm that status.

The Professional Game Academy Audit Company [PGAAC] conducted a review in February and Blues were informed their recommendation is to remove Cat One status and for Blues to operate as a Cat 2 academy from the start of next season.

In a letter to parents of players in the academy it has been revealed Blues met with auditors to challenge areas of "non compliance" and submitted supporting evidence. The Professional Game Board are to due meet on Wednesday, May 18 to consider that evidence and make the final decision, which will be communicated to Blues and then on to parents at a meeting on Thursday evening. It is claimed the club can expect to return to Category Two level.

That would mean their Under 23s and U18s would revert back to the second tier Professional Development League – which the 23s won in 2021. After stepping up Blues 23s found their Premier League 2 campaign hard going at the start of the season, losing seven of their first ten matches before stabilising to finish 11th in the 14 team Division 2.

The Under 18s, who saw many players move into the 23s, competed in the southern section of the U18 Premier League and came second bottom ahead of Norwich City. However at first team level several academy products made the senior debuts, not least