Football Dreams: The Academy

Documentary following south London-based Crystal Palace FC Academy, revealing the work that goes in to developing the next generation of footballing talent. The under-16s face the academy's most ruthless season. In four months' time, players' futures will be decided - they'll either be offered their first paid scholarship contract for two years or they'll be released. Palace fan Billy is a goalkeeper with a dream of playing for his club in the Premier League, a dream passed down from his father. His team-mate Toby faces the same contract decision, but the battle for midfield places is intense and the coaches have to release some 15-year-olds.

Cameras follow 11-year-old Shy, whose dad Mo would love him to be one of the first British-Asian Premier League footballers to play for England. Shy's got into the academy, but staying there is another thing, particularly when his dad is becoming a vocal second coach on the touchline. Will the coaches have to step in, and will Shy make the cut at the end of the season? In the under-10s, two mums have differing views about how to be good `football parents" and give their boys the best chance of success.

Cameras follow Leon, Pete and Kemall, who play for the under-15s and are centre-halves. With only two places in the starting line-up, the boys must fight each other for a future at the highest level. Leon received a scholarship a year early and his mum is already looking for an agent. But Pete and Kemall are battling with injuries and in direct competition with each other, and if they are not getting minutes on the pitch, the dream of playing in the Premier League risks slipping further away.

The documentary focuses on the under-18s, the top team in the academy whose players are within touching distance of the first team squad and desperate for a professional contract. Tayo is a wonderkid seemingly destined for the life-changing impact of the Premier League, while captain Ryan is coming back from a major injury and is desperate to prove his worth. Meanwhile, one player's dream comes true when he is picked for his first team debut by manager Patrick Vieira.