Before I go any further I will start by saying I don' t know the answer. I would agree that the emphasis should be in schools and improved club coaching. I am not convinced though that competition in early years is right either. At the minute there are go games and competitive blitzes at under 8 and 10 with slightly more competition at under 12. This is not far wrong. There is evidence around many sports that ultra competition in children can actually discourage development. In some areas too you find that playing the stronger players in detriment to the weaker leaves to the club losing these players. They may become administrators or referees or sponsors etc in later years. Keeping them involved can be key in developing the club. There is also the case that many clubs then lose their stronger players also to other sports or drink etc.. Clubs then struggle to field at under 16 or minor etc..
Whatever the rights and wrong with competition I do feel the development squad ethos is struggling to prove its worth.
Whatever the rights and wrong with competition I do feel the development squad ethos is struggling to prove its worth.