Channel 4 are to broadcast a behind-the-scenes documentary about Crystal Palace's youth academy.
Wilfried Zaha
'The Academy' will explore how the Premier League club finds the stars of tomorrow and is being filmed across a year to give an insight into the workings of football youth academies.
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 show is being made by the team behind the popular documentary series 'Educating Yorkshire'.
An insider told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "'The Academy' is one of Channel 4’s most exciting new series.
"Like 'Educating Yorkshire', it will be inspiring and motivational.
"The show will follow the highs and the lows of those working at the club’s academy, as well as a number of players aged eight to 18.
"Many people don’t get to see what really goes on behind the scenes of these big clubs, especially at grassroots level.
"Players including Wilfried Zaha and England manager Gareth Southgate came up through the youth team there.
"It is hugely exciting for everyone involved and the end result is going to be really eye-opening."
The six-part series will begin filming this year and is set to air in 2022. It will feature the training regimes of talented young players and shows how they develop their talents as they strive to perform at the highest level.
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