How to Develop a Top-Tier Youth System in Football Manager

Maximise your youth system in Football Manager with top facilities, staff, and training strategies. Discover the best tips now!

Mastering Youth Development in Football Manager – A Step-by-Step Guide

My Youth Development Nightmare (and How I Fixed It)

We've all been there—staring at an underwhelming youth intake, wondering why our once-promising academy is producing Sunday League-level talent. I remember my first serious attempt at youth development in Football Manager. I invested in top facilities, hired a Head of Youth Development who looked good on paper, and sat back, expecting my own Lionel Messi to emerge.

Spoiler: That didn't happen. Instead, my youth intake consisted of slow, unambitious players with the mental strength of a wet tissue. It took me multiple saves, hours of scouting, and some painful mistakes to figure out what actually works.

If you're looking to turn your club into a youth development powerhouse, here’s exactly what you need to do.

1. Upgrade Your Youth Facilities ASAP

Think of your youth facilities as the soil in which your wonderkids grow. If it’s poor, nothing good will develop. Head to Club Vision or Facilities and check your Youth Facilities, Junior Coaching, and Youth Recruitment levels.

 

• Youth Facilities: Determines the quality of your academy players’ training environment.
• Junior Coaching: Affects the level at which your newgens arrive at the club.
• Youth Recruitment: Impacts the range and quality of players that enter your intake.

💡 Tip: Constantly request upgrades through the board. If they refuse, increase your club’s reputation and finances to persuade them.

READ ALSO: How to Maximize Your Scouting Network in Football Manager

2. Hire the Best Head of Youth Development (It’s Crucial!)

Your Head of Youth Development (HoYD) is the mastermind behind your intake. The right HoYD can mean the difference between signing the next Mbappé or the next Djimi Traoré.

What to look for:

• Judging Player Potential – Higher means better evaluation of youngsters.
• Judging Player Ability – Helps in assessing their current skill level.
• Working with Youngsters – Essential for effective youth coaching.
• Personality Matters – A Model Citizen or Professional personality leads to mentally stronger newgens.

🔥 Hidden Gem: Some HoYDs have a preferred tactical style that influences your intake. If you want flair players, avoid HoYDs who favour defensive football.

READ ALSO: Top 250 FM24 Recruitment Staff Shortlist – Best Scouts, DoFs & Analysts

3. Train Your Youth Players Correctly

Once you have promising youth players, their development depends on proper training. Don’t just leave them in the reserves hoping for a miracle—set a plan.

Assign them a position-specific training plan early. Have senior players mentor them (more on this below). Regularly monitor their training performance in the Development Centre. Adjust individual focus training based on their potential (Acceleration, Strength, Passing, etc.).

⚠️ Warning: Overloading young players with training can cause injuries and fatigue. Manage their workload carefully.

READ ALSO: Mastering Training in Football Manager: A Complete Guide

4. Smart Loan Moves – Don’t Just Send Them Anywhere

Not every loan is beneficial. If you send your young star to a club where he’ll sit on the bench, he’ll stagnate.

Before loaning out a youngster, ask yourself:

• Will they be a starter? Check the squad depth of the loaning club.
• Does the club have good facilities? Better facilities = better development.
• What league are they in? Competitive leagues improve players faster than weak ones.

🎯 Pro Tip: Use the ‘Playing Time’ column in the loan list to track how often your loanees are actually playing.

READ ALSO: Feeder Clubs & Affiliates: Expanding Your Club’s Reach in FM

5. Use Mentoring to Improve Youngsters

Mentoring is one of the most underutilised features in FM, but it can work wonders if done right. Pairing your best young talents with experienced professionals can improve their mental attributes and personality.

Assign a senior player with good leadership and professionalism to mentor young players. Ensure the mentor and mentee have similar positions for better results. Check for personality changes over time—if your youngster picks up a better personality, you’re on the right track.

⚠️ Avoid mentoring groups with negative personalities (Unambitious, Low Determination, etc.), as bad traits can spread like a virus.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Player Weaknesses in Football Manager & How to Fix Them

6. Keep an Eye on the Development Centre

The Development Centre is your command hub for monitoring youth players. Visit it regularly to:

 

• Check performance updates on loanees.
• See which U18 and U21 players are excelling.
• Promote top-performing players at the right time.

👀 Look out for players with ‘Ready for First Team’ recommendations—your assistant manager knows when they’re prepared for senior football.

READ ALSO: 3 Simple Steps to Develop Any Young Player in FM24

7. Gradually Introduce Young Players to First-Team Football

Even if your young star has sky-high potential, he won’t develop unless he plays. Here’s how to gradually integrate them into the first team:

 

1. Start with cup matches and low-pressure games.
2. Give them 15-20 minute cameos in league matches.
3. Slowly increase their game time as their attributes improve.
4. Rotate them with senior players to maintain balance.

🏆 Success Story: I once had a 16-year-old striker with 5-star potential. I slowly introduced him via cup matches, and by 19, he was my main goal scorer. Give your youngsters time and they’ll reward you.

READ NEXT: How to Get a Son in Football Manager 2024

Final Thoughts

Developing a top-tier youth system in Football Manager isn’t just about luck—it’s about having the right facilities, staff, and a structured plan for player growth. Follow these steps, be patient, and before you know it, you’ll have a conveyor belt of world-class talent coming through your academy.

Now, over to you—what’s your biggest youth development success story in FM? Let me know in the comments!