QPR’S Academy has been recommended for Category Two status following an extensive, independent audit process earlier this year.





This fantastic achievement means the club will be in a stronger position to attract new young players, as well as competing against better opposition week in, week out.





“We are delighted,” QPR’s Head of Academy Richard Allen told www.qpr.co.uk.





“We have come a long way in a short period of time. We have a whole structure in place now from sports science and medicine to education and welfare.





“This makes us much more competitive. The fact that we’re Category Two and with Warren Farm not far away, it’s a big draw.”





Following the recent introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP), Premier League and Football League academies have been categorised as part of the Professional Development League system.





With Categories ranging from one to four, QPR have made massive strides to be recommended for Category Two status and Allen is excited about what the future holds.





“Now we want to push on with the main job, which is developing players,” he said. “Ultimately that’s what it’s about and EPPP is great because it gives us direction, structure and focus.”





Allen and his team have been supported throughout the process by QPR’s Board, who have made no secret of the importance they have placed on developing home-grown talent.





Shareholder Ruben Gnanalingam told www.qpr.co.uk: “This is brilliant news for the club and everyone within the Academy deserves a lot of credit for this achievement.





“The guys did a great job this season to win the Category Two division, and it was very important that we were in a position for them to compete in this academy league again.





“We know how much it means to the QPR supporters to see a player come through the youth system and play for the first team. We share that passion and, like the fans, we had a great feeling of pride when Michael Harriman did so well at Liverpool on the last day of the season.





“We want more moments of pride like that and attaining Category Two status will help us to achieve them.





“I want to congratulate all the Academy coaches and staff, as well as our young players and their parents. They have all played a crucial role in what is a major step for us.”





Allen added: “The Board’s support has been fantastic. I have had the opportunity to spend time with Tony Fernandes and Ruben especially, and they are fully committed to the Academy. They understand the importance of it and I have been delighted by their support.”





The ultimate aim moving forward is to be awarded Category One status, and Allen is already working towards that target.





“By the time we get into Warren Farm we want to be in a position where we can apply for Category One status because the facilities there will be second-to-none,” he said.