Dundee United announced their academy have secured 'elite' status following today's AGM.
New American owners restructured the Tangerines youth system under a year ago when they arrived at the club and are already reaping the rewards.
Chairman Mark Ogren told the club website: "I am thrilled that we have achieved this within our first year at the club. One of the keystones of our future, when Scott and I took over the club, was to ensure the Dundee United academy became one of the finest in the country.
"It has taken a lot of hard work by the staff and a bit of investment, but we have reached a significant goal in our plans with today's news.
"Our academy will now have the best possible opportunity of producing top players who can develop as first-team players and beyond.
"I must praise the work done by sporting director Tony Asghar, academy director Andy Goldie and the staff around them who have helped us become the first club to step up from Progressive level into the Elite level.
"In under a year, we have made vital improvements including the design of our academy performance plan, coaching qualifications, technical and tactical plans, child wellbeing and protection, physical performance and performance, data analysis and facilities and I praise the staff's efforts."
The news comes 24 hours after United posted a £3.7million loss as they push for promotion this season. Salary costs have rocketed to £4,159,060, which adds up to 133 per cent of an annual turnover of £3,124,236.
But Ogren allayed any fears by vowing to continue his financial backing to Robbie Neilson 's side.
He added: "The new owners are committed to providing the required funding to the club to maintain it as a going concern in the Championship , and also to provide the platform to enhance the team's prospects of promotion to the Premiership ."
