The FA Premier League

The F.A. Premier League was formed on 20th February 1992 and took over as the top professional league from season 1992-93. The FAPL has commercial independence from the Football Association and the Football League.

The F.A. Premier League continues to attract the world's finest players. There are now over 260 foreign players in the Barclaycard Premiership. An indication of their quality is the fact that 101 stars from England's domestic leagues competed in the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.

In addition to attracting top overseas stars foreign coaches also started plying their trade in The F.A. Premier League. The likes of Ruud Gullit, Arsene Wenger and Gerrard Houllier introduced coaching techniques and practices that have served to benefit all aspects of the game.

The cosmopolitan makeup of The F.A. Premier League, as well as the exciting style of play, has contributed to the league's growing international popularity. Overseas television coverage has also grown to such a level that matches are now seen in over 150 countries to a home reach of 450 million people worldwide.

The will to pursue excellence at all levels can be seen through the creation of The F.A. Premier League Academy structure. Developed in tandem with the Football Association's 'Charter for Quality' it was launched in 1998. This investment in skills and facilities will help create the Premiership and international footballers of the future. Already some of the graduates of the academy system are performing star roles in the Barclaycard Premiership, such as Joe Cole and Damien Duff, and it is hoped that the establishment of the Barclaycard Premiership Reserve League will help assist the development of Academy players to the first-team.

The F.A. Premier League's £20 million investment in The Football Foundation in partnership with government, Sport England and The Football Association will help ensure that the grassroots of the game receive the necessary funding where it is required most. Through the Foundation a new generation of modern football facilities in parks, local leagues and schools is being put in place, as well as providing capital and revenue support.

Ten years after its formation, The F.A. Premier League has confirmed its position as the world's best domestic league competition. Over 10,000 goals have been scored and over 100 million people have passed through the turnstiles, with average attendances rising to an all-time high of 34,324 in 2001-2, some 60.5% up from the inaugural season.

The FAPL also provides education resources and ideas on its website www.premierleague.com.