| Founded | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Folded | 2012 |
| Country | England |
| Divisions | 4 |
| Number of teams | 40 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | Football League Youth Alliance |
| Domestic cup(s) | FA Youth Cup |
| Last champions | Fulham (2nd title) (2011–12) |
| Most championships | Arsenal (5 titles) |
| Current: 2012–13 season | |
The Premier Academy League (sometimes abbreviated as FAPAL) was the top level of youth football in England before it was to be replaced by a new league proposed by the Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012, which was accepted by the 72 member clubs of The Football League on 20 October 2011. This newly formed league was established in the 2015–2016 season and given the renamed title of the Professional Development League[1] It was contested between the Academy sides of the Premier League and some Football League clubs. It sat above the second tier of youth football, The Football League Youth Alliance, which is for the remaining Football League clubs and some Football Conference clubs with a Centre of Excellence. The most successful team is Arsenal, having won 5 titles.