EFL Futures handout gives Port Vale a cash boost
Port Vale FC have received an undisclosed cash boost thanks to the EFL Futures programme.
A new venture for the EFL (Football League) a pot of £750,000 is available at the end of each season and divided among clubs who have given starting opportunities to home-grown players under the age of 21 who are qualified for England.
The £750,000 pot is divided amongst clubs who have started with youngsters in their first eleven with the club who have played the most youngsters receiving a larger proportion of the pot.
It is unclear how much Vale will have been given but the overall amount given to League One clubs totalled £294,000.
This season, almost 10% of appearances across the EFL were made by EFL Futures eligible youngsters, with those appearances being made by 322 players from a pool of approximately 2,500 currently registered across the three divisions
Last season, Vale included several home-grown youngsters in their side including:
Qualifying players:
- Player of the season Nathan Smith – aged 21 / 53 starts
Dan Turner – aged 18 / 3 starts
Non-Qualifying Players:
- Ryan Boot – one start (too old, Boot was 22 at the time of his appearance)
Billy Reeves – four starts (does not count as the Wrexham-born midfielder is not England-qualified)
James Gibbons – one appearance (does not count as he did not make a starting appearance)