A new documentary series from Channel 4 and Crystal Palace will go inside the walls of a Premier League academy for the first time, following the journeys of young ballers as they strive to fight for a pro contract.

The six part series – officially titled 'The Academy' – will be aired in 2022 and meet the club's youngest players and follow their personal relationships with family and staff to showcase how clubs develop the next generation of footballing talent in the UK.

Filmed over a year, the doc will feature the highs and lows of current CPFC U18 ballers including Ademola Ola-Adebomi and John-Kymani Gordon, whilst also showing the journey thorough academy life for ballers at even younger ager groups.

Palace have always had a reputation for producing top talent, from England manager Garath Southgate to current Premier League ballers Wilfred Zaha and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. In order to further increase their output and gain Category 1 academy status, the South East London club recently spent £20m to redevelop the academy including the creation of a new indoor astro pitch, outdoor pitch redevelopment, building interiors, and new classrooms.

Speaking on the doc, Palace chairman Steve Parish said:

“We’re extremely excited to take viewers behind the scenes at an elite football institution, as we aim to identify, attract and develop the next generation of Crystal Palace footballers.

It was imperative for us to select a production partner with a track record in working with young people in pressurised environments, and a broadcaster who shares our passion for inspirational and uplifting family programming.”

The game is forever changing and this insight will further showcase why footballers deserve the upmost respect for making it to the top. Keep locked to VERSUS to see more updates on when this doc drops.