Quote: Mild Rover "Only helps the richer clubs and the richest already have good academies and hoover up the best talent. Plus the cap rules are already trying to solve numerous problems simultaneously. If you want to solve a problem you have to acknowledge what it really is. This isn’t something that can be nudged away.
So, how about a good-of-the-game approach, with investment directed to the grassroots, coaches going out more to community clubs rather than bringing players in so much at a young age? Then fewer, better, independent regional academies feeding into the semi-pro game and then, in turn, SL. Maybe with a requirement that Championship teams have a minimum number of under 23s in their match day squads, in return for better central funding.'"
It doesn't only benefit the rich clubs, we're forever told how much money Rovers have but your youth development is embarrassing, Warrington have finally realised this after years of trying to buy success. Hull haven't exactly been flush with money since covid and we've always steadily brought through players.
I agree more money and development is needed in grass roots, a more competitive reserve league is needed aswell, the teams with the better academics need to blood their best prospects against seasoned pros whilst allowing them to still play in the clubs systems, instead of loaning players out left, right and centre.
Clubs should always be rewarded for bringing players through and giving them a shot at SL and it will help increase the player pool and keep more players in the game.