Club NXT, the youth academy of Club Brugge, has once again topped the Pro League youth license rankings. The Blue and Black academy received a total of 539.09 points, based on three key pillars: infrastructure, staff & support, and player progression & contracts. This amounts to 94.21% of the maximum score.
Club NXT is a prime example of how a youth academy, with the right focus and dedication, can have a significant impact on the development of young football players. In recent years, Club NXT has created an environment that fosters growth and nurtures players into professional athletes — an effort that is now being recognized once again.
Infrastructure
Club NXT has found creative ways to overcome infrastructure challenges at Jan Breydel Stadium. By integrating the U18 and U23 teams into the Basecamp in Westkapelle and investing in facilities for the U15 and U16 teams at The NEST in Roeselare, all youth squads now have access to the necessary infrastructure for optimal development.
Staff & support
A second key element in the youth license evaluation focuses on the coaching staff’s qualifications and licenses. Club NXT scores highly in this area, with many coaches holding a UEFA A diploma. Beyond the technical aspect, Club NXT also invests in the broader support and development of its youth players. A Study, Mindset & Development Coach supports players in life outside of football. From the U15 level onwards, promising players are rewarded with their first contracts. Recent examples include Jesse Bisiwu, Jessi Da Silva, Emiel Callens, and Axl Wins, who all signed their first professional agreements.
Player progression & contracts
With its U23 team competing in the Challenger Pro League, Club NXT offers a strong bridge to professional football. This season, six players made their professional debut in the Challenger Pro League: Wout Verlinden, Argus Vanden Driessche, Naïm Amengai, Lucas Delorge, Alexander Vandeperre, and Jakke Van Britsom.
Promoting talent to the first team is also a cornerstone of Club NXT’s philosophy. This season, Joaquin Seys and Chemsdine Talbi became regular contributors under coach Hayen. Axl De Corte, Lynnt Audoor, Kaye Furo, and Shandre Campbell were also included in the senior squad.
Club NXT’s contribution to Club Brugge's first team is substantial, with players like Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Jorne Spileers, Joel Ordóñez, Kyriani Sabbe, and Romeo Vermant forming a core part of the squad. In fact, 39% of Club Brugge’s total minutes played this past season came from homegrown players, marking an all-time club record.