rewdewa wrote:I think all A-league clubs should have their own youth set-up, from under-13s up to under-18s and they would be playing in their local league. In this case NYL would essentially become a reserve league which would allow these youth players to get more game time and train with the senior players at their club, this comp would also serve as a league that gives fringe players more game time too.
You see I disagree, partly, I think the HAL Franchises should concentrate at Youth level say U16 to U21. Below that age group will cause them nothing but headaches and possibly affect their brand negatively. At junior level U15 to U7 most of our players are at a good standard, it is that "transition" stage from Youth to Senior Football were we have our major issues.
At U16 and below they would be better off working co-operatively with local clubs, maybe at different support levels. E.g. 10 junior clubs at high support level, 20 junior clubs at medium support level and 40 junior clubs at loew support level.
I'll also add that the majority of TOP LEVEL coaches I have spoken to have said that there is no-way you can pick if a 12yo will make it, not until 16yo will these coaches make an assesment as to wether a player has what it takes. So HAL franchises selecting U13, U14, U15 teams will only be a fishing expedition that can affect there standing at a local level when they play other local clubs. ANy incidents or poor behaviour from the HAL team by staff, parents or players will be blown up negatively and create a poor standing from the football community. Let alone all the negative vibes from the juniors that don't make it.