Bournemouth's new academy status a 'massive moment'

[Getty Images] Bournemouth's academy manager Sam Gisborne has said it is "very pleasing" that the Cherries have been awarded Category One status. "Massive moment for us. Massive moment for the players, the parents and everyone involved," Gisborne told BBC Radio Solent. On what Category One status means, Gisborne added: "What people will see is better games, access to better opposition so you'll see us playing current Premier League teams week in, week out. "The first year at Category One will be similar to Category Two, but as you grow, you get access to the international club, the EFL Trophy and then you are accessing games against men's teams or international opposition. The opportunities that our boys get will be against better opposition. "There's still loads and loads of work to do, but we're happy that we are at this status now and we can move forward." Gisborne added that being a Category One club "allows us the opportunity to recruit nationally at certain ages so we now have access to talent all over the country, which is massive for the football club". "We now have better opportunity to affect the first team, which is exactly why we are here and what we want to do," he said. Hit play below to hear more about Bournemouth's Category One academy status, or listen here on BBC Sounds