The Rams have announced a relaunch of their Foundation.
A number of players have come up from the Academy via Foundation courses over the last few years but the system has been too hit and miss, and so a revamp was called for during the summer by the new Board of directors.
Foundation courses are open to any members of the public who wish to pay for their children to attend, and Derby County have benefited in the past when a youngster has stood out from the rest.
Under the new scheme a five step standard plan has been introduced. Skill levels have been assessed for each level and every pupil is awarded a certificate as they move up from the most basic, through the intermediate steps until they reach level 5. Every boy who attains level 5 is given an automatic place at the Academy.
Such a place does not guarantee a career in the professional game but a structured path can only help matters.
Academy Director Terry Westley could not overemphasize the significance that the relaunch would have for Derby County.
"It’s a very important step forward for the club and for the Academy. Since we left the Premiership we have had to make cutbacks throughout the club and certainly in the Academy. But now we are taking I forward certainly in the recruitment of players."
"We’ve brought in two more members of staff on the Foundation, but in terms of recruitment it now gives me the chance to expand throughout the area of Derbyshire, setting the schools and the players the opportunity of achieving different levels through the new award scheme. And if anyone can reach level 5 we are guaranteeing that person that we will sign them on here at the Academy."
" A lot of clubs take on large numbers of youngsters in the hope that some will get through, but this scheme should filter a lot of that out. With schools doing less and less football they are happy for you to come in and set up a five week course."
"Everyone who attends gets a certificate of some kind and any child who achieves a level 3 or 4 will be put in a development class free of charge. And will get coached twice a week."
"I get 50 or 60 letters a week from schools, players and parents thinking they have someone who is good enough to join the Academy. What the award scheme will do is allow them the opportunity to take level 5. I would add that level 5 is a very high standard – it’s a gold standard. "
"It’s a huge incentive for them and for the schools I believe. It’s a real challenge for the players involved and a great opportunity for everyone out there."