NL Youth Policy

[In-goal]

After the great display shown buy England A i would think that this has shown to all involved in the British game that youth is the pathway to the future, so i now call out to all clubs throughout the National Leagues to stop spending big bucks on has beens and start spending on Youth development.

After all a youth can turn full time at a fraction of the cost as an older player especially when he is trying to find his feet. If all clubs were to make a push to help the development at all levels we would end up with a more even structure, The hard part of course is to be able to develop a full side without the likes of the Bradfords and Co coming in and pillaging.

 

[deluded pom?]

Recently Hull F.C showed interest in a couple of young players at Featherstone Rovers . Featherstone weren`t interested in selling the players so one of the players ,Andy Baily , went to appeal to the RFL arguing a restriction of trade .The RFL agreed and an independent tribunal put a valuation on his contract . That valuation was for £2,500 ($5,800) and another £5,000 ($11,600) if he plays 12 SL games next season . Featherstone were looking for around £30,000 ($70,000). The same valuation was put on the second player involved ,Richard Whiting . This is hardly going to encourage NL teams to invest in youth only to see the SL clubs, with the backing of the RFL , stepping in and taking them away for peanuts . This will only encourage teams to sign players over 24 who they know won`t be any burden as regards development ,development that they know won`t be rewarded.

 

[In-goal]

surley the can sign the youngsters to contracts but still allowing them the option of trade i.e. If a RSL club comes knocking they must pay a sum of 20K gbp or no sale this way the club makes more money and can further invest.

NL clubs will never be able to compete unless they are able to get full time rosters, this means spending less now working for a cheaper greener future. The clubs have to fing other means of making cash.

 

[terracesider]

The relationship between SL and NL clubs has the potential to be a real problem. Featherstone's difficulties, as described by Deluded Pom are probably only the most widely reported. There are mutterings reported that some NL clubs considering not running youth sides.Yet the NL clubs have undermined support for their case by treating the amateur clubs - who initially produce the talent - in a the same disgraceful way they themselves have been treated by SL.

In Goal is right about the steps by the NL clubs needed to be able to compete, but I can't see any way they can go full time. The lower divisions have always livded hand to mouth. Since the SL era began, the support base and conseqeuently the financial position of many NL clubs has deteriorated sharply.

If nothing is done, it wouldn't be surprising to hear murmurs of a NL breakaway resurfacing.