Watford’s youngsters will be taking on the top sides from across the country after the club's application for Category Two Academy status was approved.

The Hornets confirmed this morning they have been successful in their attempt to upgrade their Academy from Category Three to Two and as a result will be competing in both the Under-21 Premier League and Premier League Under-21 competitions in the 2015/16 campaign.

The new status, under the Elite Player Performance Plan utilised by the Premier League, allows the club to operate an Under-21 fixture programme as part of its youth development system and as a result the Hornets’ Under-18 and Under-21 sides will be playing other Category One and Two clubs.

"It's very much the right time for this club to be moving into Category Two of the Elite Player Performance Plan," Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club’s website.

"The first-class academy structure already in place when we arrived at the club three years ago has continued to go from strength to strength and the recent grading bears this out.”

Duxbury continued: "We took a reflective position when EPPP launched.

"Category Three was right for us initially, but we've reviewed constantly and believe firmly that a schedule of fixtures against high-calibre opposition - both at Under-18 and Under-21 levels - is essential for the continued development of high quality home-grown talent at Watford.

"Our academy set-up is very highly regarded and that's down to the commitment of players, parents and staff - led by Chris McGuane, our head of Academy.

"The pathway to the first team will always exist for the very best young talent here at Watford.

"Premier League status makes that challenge harder but it means players are aiming ever higher and supporters will see the benefit of this when they come to watch these players perform."