The investment will provide support across a number of key areas including medical screening, Club scholarship schemes and enhanced training programmes as well as a further incentive to give English and Welsh youngsters opportunities in first teams.

The new commitment will provide:

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, welcomed the announcement. He said: “I am delighted we have been able to use the increased support funding for all EFL Clubs.

“I have spoken frequently about the importance of supporting Clubs with their development of young players and this enhanced commitment is further evidence of the emphasis the EFL continues to place on supporting such an important area for the game.

“We have to reward Clubs who take the risk in giving young home grown players the chance to play competitive first team football and the additional funds announced today will help scholars fulfil their footballing potential, while also ensuring they are both mentally and physically healthy and better prepared for life in or out of the game.”