Reading have confirmed that the Academy has been downgraded to Category Two ahead of the new season.

Rumours had come out last week, with respected outlet The Training Ground Guru reporting that the club failed it's audit.

This has now been confirmed by the club, with news that the team will be placed in the Professional Development League.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the move from Hogwood Park to Bearwood Park have been cited as issues behind the downgrade, but in positive news the club confirmed that it will be reapplying for Category One status this year and that owner Mr Dai remains "committed to running our Academy operation to the very highest standard."

The statement continued: "The education, welfare and coaching standards will not be affected.

"The club’s high expectations of its Academy system will also not wane. We remain exceptionally proud of what our Academy has achieved in the past, what it will achieve this season and what it will achieve in the future. We will be reapplying for Category One status this year."

A shining light for the club, more than 70 graduates have broken into the first team since 1999, with almost 20 since 2019 alone.

Reading had been a founder member of Category One status, holding the esteemed award since 2013.