PGAAC Head Of Audit Development - Gary Penn ("Academies Must Have Domes"") - Episode 28 Snippet")

I am joined by Gary Penn, Head of Audit Development at the Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), on Episode 28 of my podcast.

PGAAC was established by the Premier League, EFL, and the Football Association, and functions as the football version of OFSTED. They perform EPPP audits on all Category 1 to 4 academies, assessing everything from leadership and player care to education, safeguarding, and medical standards. Gary and his team ensure that academies meet the over 500 rules and guidelines of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to determine their Cat 1 to 4 status level.

Gary tells me that academies must have domes so academy players can continue playing throughout the winter periods when it might be snowing and weather conditions are poor.

Full Episode: 6th June 2026 (6pm)