Yes, but it depends on the player’s status. Most younger players at professional football academies in England are not paid a wage simply for training or playing. Scholars receive pay under a scholarship agreement, while players on professional contracts receive the salary agreed with their club.

That distinction matters. A 13-year-old academy player, a 17-year-old scholar and a 19-year-old playing for an under-21 side may all train at the same club, but their contracts and payments can be completely different. This guide explains the English system, not every academy worldwide.

Who gets paid at a football academy?

  • Registered youth academy players generally do not receive wages for academy participation. A club may cover agreed expenses or offer other support.
  • Academy scholars receive payments under their scholarship agreements, alongside football development and education arrangements.
  • Professional players receive the salary and any bonuses specified in their individual playing contracts.

An academy’s category is not a salary band. It describes the development environment rather than what an individual player earns. Read our guide to football academy categories for the differences.

Academy registration, scholarship and professional contract payment pathway

How much do Premier League academy scholars earn?

The Premier League’s 2025/26 Scholarship Handbook states £320 per week in the first year, £330 in the second year and at least £420 in a third year where applicable. Scholars are paid monthly, even though the handbook quotes weekly amounts.

These figures are specifically from the 2025/26 Premier League handbook. They are not verified 2026/27 rates, and they are not a universal pay scale for every English Football League club or private academy. If your child has an offer, ask for the current agreement and payment schedule rather than relying on an online estimate.

For a rough comparison only, £320 multiplied by 52 equals £16,640 and £330 multiplied by 52 equals £17,160. Neither calculation establishes the actual amount payable under a particular scholarship, which depends on its dates, conditions and deductions. Do not treat either as guaranteed take-home pay.

Do under-18 and under-21 footballers get paid?

Some do. Under-18 and under-21 are squad or competition age groups, not salary grades. A player’s registration, scholarship or professional contract determines whether they are paid.

The FA’s player-status guidance says a player generally needs to be 18 to enter a playing contract, but a 17-year-old may do so if they are not in full-time education. A player under 18 cannot sign a playing contract for more than three years. Club and competition registration rules may also matter. Ask for the precise status and proposed agreement before signing.

For a more detailed explanation of academy contracts, see our guide to youth football academy contracts

What changes when a player signs a professional contract?

A professional contract is different from an academy scholarship. Professional pay is individually negotiated, so there is no dependable weekly wage that applies to every young professional. High-profile teenage salaries are exceptional examples, not sensible figures for a family to budget around.

Before signing, read the basic wage, payment dates, bonuses, length, extension options, deductions and ending conditions. Ask an independent qualified adviser to explain anything unclear. A verbal promise about a future contract or first-team opportunity is not the same as a signed agreement.

Can academy clubs cover travel, accommodation or education?

They may, depending on the club and the player’s arrangements. Reimbursed travel costs, education provision, accommodation and wages are different forms of support. Ask what is included, whether receipts are required, what the club pays directly and what stops if the player leaves.

For a young player living away from home, also ask who is responsible for safeguarding, accommodation checks, emergency contact and communication with parents. Those arrangements deserve as much attention as any financial offer.

Scholarship payments compared with professional football contracts

  • What document is the player signing: academy registration, scholarship or professional contract?

  • What are the exact pay terms, payment dates and possible deductions?

  • What education, qualifications and protected study time are provided?

  • Who pays for travel, kit, meals and accommodation?

  • When does the agreement start and end, and can it be extended?

  • What happens to accommodation, education and support if the club releases the player?

  • Who is the club’s named welfare or safeguarding contact?

  • Who can independently review the agreement before signing?

Is academy compensation the same as player wages?

No. Academy training compensation may refer to payments between clubs when a player moves. It is not a wage paid to the player or their family. If someone mentions compensation, ask who pays it, who receives it and which rule applies.

The Premier League’s parent guidance explains how the academy environment works.

If you’re reviewing a scholarship or registration offer, the PFA’s independent Youth Advisory Service can help families understand their options before they sign.

The question to ask your club

Before comparing wages, find out what agreement the player is actually on. Ask for the terms in writing and make sure the football, education, financial and welfare arrangements are clear. A good decision should still make sense if the player’s pathway changes.

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