It means that the Black Cats are formally recognised as one of the handful of elite clubs in England who provide every requirement that the Premier League calls for in an ideal youth academy set up.
Sunderland were one of only 12 footballing academies nationwide given the top status in the opening season of the system, back in July 2012.
Academy director Ged McNamee: “Obviously this was the first season of EPPP and we went through a lot of preparation last year to get things in place to get the status we wanted.
“But it was always going to be reviewed and they have monitored us as things have gone on and told us that to remain Category One we had to do this, this and this.
“Myself and other members of staff have been working since then to make sure the action plan they wanted was followed through and we’ve been down to the Premier League earlier this month who have rubber-stamped it and told us, “Yes, you are Category One.”
“It still has to go to the full board for them to confirm but it would be a big shock for them not to give it to us because they go on the advice of their auditors, who have already passed us.
“That will give us Category One status to the end of the 2014-15 season and give us the time needed to really develop and progress.”