So, is it worth investing so much in the youth setup for the meagre pickings they produce?

Perhaps our club needs to spread it's net then?

I would agree with all of that. Our problem in getting numbers of youngsters from the immediate locality means that the base of our pyramid is a lot smaller than say Wigan, hence there are fewer quality players at the top to fill our academy. That forces us to look outside the area which I suspect is much more difficult.

There are far more kids playing the game than when I finished up around 20 years ago so I'd say the situation is improving.

The clubs community programme seems to be well respected, hopefully by engaging with the community we can increase the number of kids playing the game.

We have been spreading the net. From our 2013 U19 's, there were only 9 out of approx. 27 that came from our locality, and that included two from Golbourne Parkside which is perhaps borderline. The rest were from all over; Kells, Hunslet, Shevington, Meltham, Saddleworth, Cockermouth, Thatto Heath etc etc. I hope we always draw quality youngsters from the whole Uk, but we still need a larger contingent from the Warrington area. And in any case the RFL are strongly pushing SL clubs to 'regenerate' the local club scene rather than taking from outside their area.

I have been coaching locally now for about fourteen years and this year threw in the towel due to having to constantly scratch about for numbers on match-day and the pressure of keeping a team running. The number of kids playing rugby league every week is minuscule compared to football and no better than rugby union. In my experience participation numbers haven't increased significantly over this period despite the sterling efforts of the club and the Foundation.

The club do have scouts in other areas but the issue with bringing in players from other service areas is they will either not be wanted by their local club or if they are in most cases, Warrington will have to outbid and pay them more to secure their services and to entice them to travel over. I am sure most would prefer to see a locally born side playing to a high enough standard but that won't happen any time soon.

I could write a long essay here on how the NWC is run and the rules they enforce on mini and mod rugby but that will wait for another time. Until numbers of participants playing increases the Academy will also not increase the quality or quantity of players coming through the system.

Have Warrington really gave the lads from our town enough opportunity?
I think not, almost like there is a bias against them, preferring Wigan youngsters.

Any evidence to support your opinion?

iMO the worst thing that's happened to junior / youth rugby is the super league clubs getoting involved and dictating kids lives then they get shat on from a great height between 16-18 and a lot lose faith with the sport and pack in, there are only around 2/3 a year who earn super league contracts they should be left to play in there community clubs with there mates who they've played with since 6 years of age, and monitored .

Wrong. If a local player is good enough they will be signed.

There are probably more local players in the Academy than ever but admittedly the last set of players moving through to first team (Johnson, Wilde, Philbin, King x2) are not from Warrington. But players do get their chance.

I would expect a few more local players to make first team in the next two years.

I do tend to agree (within limits). If a player signs for the U19s and doesn't get selected he could virtually go to full years without playing a game.

Wigan had an agreement with St Pats last season that some of the U19s could play for them if not selected. Although on the other hand if they got injured playing elsewhere who would be responsible for the aftercare?

Really interesting thread thanks for your and others contribution.

Without sounding completely daft, is youth development purely a number game? I understand that statistically if 1 player in X makes it, the more you start with the more you should end up with, but, are we as a club or as a sport, capable of attracting better youngsters and by that I mean talent that in the past may have been lost to another sport, or just would have been off the radar?

If numbers are static, or disappointingly as you report dwindling is there anyway we can increase our chances (and hopefully) are we doing it/our best?

It's not just junior/youth that's struggling open age amateur are struggling For numbers its the way society has changed kids love xboxes nowadays , and a lot of adults work different shift patterns nowadays or self employed and if you pick up a serious injury who's gonna pay the bills.

I just may well have, but as you said it's only my opinion then I don't need any, but like mark, you are free to say I'm wrong.
I read his reply too, I feel his answer only cements my opinion further.

I take that as a "No"