Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury says it is important the Hornets upgrade their Academy within the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) structure in order to compete against rival clubs.

The Golden Boys announced today that they have applied to improve their Category 3 status to Category 2.

If Watford’s application is successful the Hornets would register a side in an Under-21 division, something the club view as a “logical step” for their young players’ development.

Speaking to the club website, Duxbury said: “The Academy's development has always been central to the club’s overall development.

“The application for EPPP Cat 2 status and regular Under-21 football for next season is a logical and progressive step.

“Our Academy has always performed and operated at the highest standard.

"In order for it to move to the next level and compete with some of our rivals, we feel a higher category status is now important.”

EPPP was implemented at the start of the 2012/2013 season. Watford initially applied for Category 1 status under the new structure but withdrew that request and made the decision to become a Category 3 Academy. That status was fixed for three years but can be changed in the summer. 

A Category 2 Academy would enable Watford to take on players from the age of four and sign them at the age of nine.

An estimated budget of £969,000 is required and Category 2 clubs can sign players who are outside of the 90 minute travelling time radius.