Chesterfield FC Academy is the youth development structure of Chesterfield Football Club, based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England. The academy provides a structured pathway for young footballers to develop their technical, tactical, physical and personal abilities with the objective of progressing into senior football and ultimately the Chesterfield FC first team. The academy currently operates as a Category 4 academy and has continued to expand its youth-development structure following Chesterfield FC’s return to the English Football League. From the 2026/27 season, Chesterfield launched a junior academy section extending the existing Category 4 academy structure. The new junior development programme covers U9 to U16 age groups, while U7 and U8 players participate in small-sided “little league” games. The club has placed particular emphasis on local recruitment, targeting young players from Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and strengthening relationships with grassroots clubs and schools in the region. Academy training is primarily based at the University of Sheffield’s Norton Sports Park, with additional strength and conditioning sessions taking place at the SMH Group Stadium. The academy also provides pre-academy opportunities for younger boys and girls, including football sessions for children aged four to eight. Its development environment includes coaching, competitive fixtures, talent identification, analysis, sports science, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning support. The academy has produced players who have progressed rapidly from grassroots football into professional and international football, demonstrating the potential pathway available through the programme. Alongside boys’ development, Chesterfield has also developed female football and education opportunities, combining football training with academic qualifications and potential progression routes into higher-level women’s football. Safeguarding and player welfare are central components of the academy’s operations, with the club applying its safeguarding commitments across Chesterfield FC Academy and the wider club structure. Overall, Chesterfield FC Academy combines professional youth development, grassroots recruitment, education, performance support and competitive football to create a pathway for talented young players in the Chesterfield and wider regional area.