Rovers’ Academy has been named one of the best at category three level following the audit process as part of the Elite Player Performance Plan.
The audit, which secures category three status for a three-year period, process has placed the programme in the top 10 of the 45 category three Academy programmes in the country. All other academy programmes will require either a re-assessment or a full re-audit, this really highlights the positive impression made by the club on the auditors.
This is undoubtedly a huge achievement considering the problematic outcome of the first audit process which resulted in a re-audit being required
The audit process reported on matters relating to facilities, productivity, vision/leadership and finance, the football programme, education, elite performance and the impact of the multi-disciplinary programme, relationships with external partners, operations and admin, recruitment, ‘The Player’ (placing a huge emphasis on individual player development) and coach development.
Academy manager Kieran Scarff said: “The result of the audit is fantastic and fully deserved recognition for everyone associated with the football club. To receive the news that we are seen as comfortably as one of the top 10 category three clubs is superb, especially given that the club had to face a re-audit during the first round of audits.
“The drive, knowledge and enthusiasm of our Academy staff since I arrived just less than two years ago has been a major factor in getting the programme to its current position of strength as is the outstanding support we have always received from our first team staff. The support of the owners, Gavin Baldwin and all Club Doncaster staff is another major factor in being able to provide such a positive and productive programme.
“Any successful programme is the result of the culture and environment it creates alongside the knowledge it possesses and we have certainly shown we have this in abundance. It is now vital we build on this and continue to develop our programme in a way that maximises the opportunity for our young players, our coaches and ultimately continue to provide the excellent pathway we have for our players.
"I'd like to personally thank all of the Academy staff for all their efforts that have resulted in this fantastic outcome”
Rovers chief executive Gavin Baldwin added: “This is a brilliant outcome for Rovers, and I’m delighted to see the Academy continuing to thrive under Kieran’s guidance.
“As a club we want to see homegrown players come through right through into the first-team, and believe we have a structure which will allow that to happen. We saw that this summer with five players graduating from the U18s onto their first professional contracts with us, and while that strike rate will be hard to keep hitting I have no doubt our staff will do everything they can to try and repeat it next summer.”