Academy Boost for Oldham Athletic Thanks to EFL Return

Academy Boost for Oldham Athletic Thanks to EFL Return

Oldham Athletic’s long-awaited return to the English Football League (EFL) has brought more than just first-team benefits—it marks a major turning point for the club’s future with the reinstatement of its Academy.

Latics lost their EFL-funded Academy status a year ago after failing to regain promotion from the National League within the two-year grace period allowed by the League. That blow, which followed their relegation at the end of the 2021/22 season, was a major setback for a club with a proud tradition of developing young talent.

But now, with Oldham back in League Two for the 2025/26 season, the door is open once again for the club to invest in youth development through the official Academy structure.

Speaking to the press, Latics’ CEO Darren Royle highlighted the wider significance of this development.

“This is not just a step forward for the first team, it’s a long-term boost for the whole footballing operation,” said Royle. “The Academy is a vital part of our identity, and its reinstatement will allow us to continue nurturing local talent and building the future of Oldham Athletic from the ground up.”

During their time outside the EFL, Oldham were forced to rely on a more informal youth development setup, with limited resources and without the benefits that come with full Academy status—such as access to EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) funding, structured competitions, and greater support for young players’ education and wellbeing.

Royle noted that the absence of an Academy had made it harder to keep hold of promising players and to attract new talent.

“Young players and their families often want the security and structure that an official Academy offers,” he explained. “We’ve done our best over the past year, but it’s been incredibly challenging without the backing and support that comes from being inside the EFL.”

Now, the club can begin rebuilding that vital pipeline of talent. The return of the Academy will allow Oldham to offer a clearer pathway from youth football to the professional ranks, a draw not only for local youngsters but also for players from further afield.

Plans are already in motion to re-establish full Academy operations, with the club expected to announce key appointments and trial dates in the coming weeks. Royle says the goal is to quickly restore the Academy to a level that matches the club’s ambition.

“We’ve got the infrastructure, we’ve got the history, and now we’ve got the opportunity again. It’s up to us to make the most of it,” he said.

Oldham Athletic’s previous Academy has produced a number of players who went on to successful professional careers, and fans will be hoping this new chapter brings similar success stories in the years to come.

For now, the reinstatement of Academy status stands as a symbol of Latics’ broader revival—and a firm reminder that promotion brings with it more than just points and prestige. It brings hope, development, and the promise of a brighter future.

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