Quote: Smithers99 ""With the new IMG grading criteria, clubs are not directly rewarded for running an ‘Elite Academy’, so we will
focus on other areas to improve the club with the long term aim of becoming ‘Category A’."
So there we go as I alluded to. I'm sure it's not the only reason (or necessarily even the major reason) but illustrates what I'm suspecting that clubs will be driven towards meeting IMG's Grading criteria. IMG had better have got their direction right.
I watched IMG acquire BSI and take over the running of the Speedway Grand Prixs. They proved they can make the top level very attractive, but have done nothing to help (and have in fact hindered) the grass roots of that sport. There are/were other drivers so not all BSI/IMG's fault, but they were only interested in the very top. Poland are the (very) big winners mind.
From my relatively recent view of the sport, whilst I understand the benefits of a more prominent Super League, I'd argue that Rugby League is a sport that needs to expand, yet I think IMG's strategy will shrink it. With it's M62 emphasis, the only other sport I can see that is successful in a very localised part of the country is Aussie Rules in Victoria. And even there they expanded to Sydney / Brisbane / Adelaide / Perth etc. By their very strategy aren't IMG locking out any chance of expansion and limiting what they have now to France (and I'm not sure they really want that) and London (but without a strategy to get there)?'"
Coming as you do as a newbie Smithers, your views are quite refreshing. You see the blindingly obvious while those running the game cannot.
Always struck me as odd that Social Media etc was considered of more value by IMG than running an academy & developing more players. But what do I know? Which is not a lot to be honest.