The aims of the Cardiff Academy are:

* To identify and develop players for our first team squad.

* To develop players who can make professional football their career

* To develop players in order to minimise club expenditure.

* To develop players who can earn the club revenue in transfer fees.

* To develop players who can make a career outside football.

* And most importantly to offer all players of all ages an opportunity to experience the best development programme possible.

The 'Cardiff Journey' begins at an early age when young players may be recruited from six years old through our comprehensive Community scheme and Advanced Development centre programme. ( 8-11 yrs)

Young players within the Academy from the ages of 9 to 16 attend school during the day and are coached two or three times a week before taking part in a Sunday fixture.

At the end of their school career they may be offered a scholarship for another two or three years.