--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T19:01:42.647Z last_updated: 2026-07-16T08:30:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/bournemouth/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYm91cm5lbW91dGhlY2hvLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0LzI2Mjg0NjE1LmFmYy1ib3VybmVtb3V0aC1ncmFudGVkLWNhdGVnb3J5LW9uZS1hY2FkZW15LXN0YXR1cy8_cmVmPXJzcw --- # Cherries awarded Category One academy status after successful appeal - **Source:** - **Published:** 16 Jul - **Club:** Bournemouth - **Original URL:** https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/26284615.afc-bournemouth-granted-category-one-academy-status/?ref=rss THE Cherries have been granted Category One academy status on appeal after their initial application was turned down, the club have confirmed. As reported, the club’s application was refused after an audit by the Professional Game Academy Audit Company, with the reason down to a lack of pitches at Bournemouth’s new performance centre. Earlier this morning, the Daily Echo reported that the club’s application has now been approved by the FA, after they provided further evidence and information to back up their application. PICTURES - Seats going in main stand and new turnstiles in Cherries' stadium project WATCH - Drone footage shows Cherries' progress on Vitality Stadium project SALE - Get exclusive pre-season coverage as Daily Echo follows Cherries in Austria Cherries' fixtures released for second campaign in Southern Premier Division Cherries in talks to sign centre back Silva from Portuguese giants Benfica AFC Bournemouth have now confirmed the news, saying in a statement that the club was “delighted”. Category One academy status gives young players at the club the opportunity to test themselves and develop against the best academies in the country, with an expanded games programme. It brings with it more opportunities within Premier League and EFL competitions, with more access to wider initiatives to help players develop their games as well as off-pitch support. (Image: Richard Crease) It will also mean Bournemouth can attract better players and retain them. The Cherries’ new performance centre was built, in part, with the goal of earning Category One status. Aspects of the training ground, like the indoor dome and other facilities, were built to fulfil requirements for achieving that status. While the application was initially turned down, Bournemouth appealed the verdict and have been successful in that appeal. Bill Foley, owner and chairman of the Cherries, told afcb.co.uk: "From the very beginning, our ambition has been to build a football club that can compete sustainably at the highest level, and a world-class Academy is central to that vision. Achieving Category One status within just four years of being in Category Three demonstrates the progress we are making both on and off the pitch. (Image: Richard Crease) "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our Academy staff, players, families and everyone across the club who has contributed to this achievement. Their commitment has created an environment where young players can develop, thrive and aspire to represent AFC Bournemouth's first team. "While today is an important milestone, it is only the beginning. We will continue investing in our people, our facilities and our pathway, ensuring the Academy plays a vital role in the future success of the club for many years to come." Head of academy, Sam Gisborne, said: "This is a really proud moment for everyone connected with the club and our Academy. (Image: Richard Crease) "Gaining Category One status is a significant milestone in the club's history and is recognition of the commitment, hard work and ambition that so many people have shown over a number of years. This achievement belongs to every member of staff, player and parent across the football club who has helped us on this journey. "We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved, but we keep moving forward and we are not done. Category One just gives us an even stronger platform to achieve our goals and it doesn't change who we are or what we believe in. "This was key for our football strategy as a football club. We now have access for our players to play against the best, and challenge ourselves week in, week out. We will be able to explore other exciting avenues to continue to develop our Academy too. "Thank you to Bill Foley and Tiago Pinto, as well as everyone at the club, for all their support. We’re thoroughly looking forward to the challenge and what comes next."