Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Department of Youth - update #4, Part 1
Ladies and gentlemen, the youth league has landed.
For the first time in Australia's football history, we will have a nationwide youth league, and the FFA are to be commended for the initiative.
Having said that, plenty of questions remain; not only about the financial viability of the new league (coming, as it does, at the same time as the expansion of the senior competition), but about the details of the plan unveiled today by Ben Buckley and Rob Baan.
So then, herewith a few devil's advocate-style questions with regard to some of the statements contained in today's release:
...Youth Development Players will sign a Youth Development Agreement which is of amateur status...
1. Will the amateur nature of the competition prove a disincentive to some players?
Clearly the expenses of the start-up league have precluded any payments beyond the normal expenses of travel, accommodation and so forth. All well and good. But would this perhaps put some of our better 19-20-year-olds off?
Let me put it this way. Certain youngsters playing in the State Leagues - at youth or senior level - are fairly happy with their lot (to my knowledge) because they are able to hold down a job while pursuing a possible career in football. The geographically concentrated nature of the state leagues makes this feasible.
But with the travel associated with a national youth league, a full-time job might be compromised to some extent. For kids who aren't certain of their future in football, it could be an unenviable dilemma.
This would normally be less of an issue with 16-18-year-olds, of course.
2. What happens when clubs draw on the youth side for senior team replacements?
The requirement for clubs to do this is probably a reaction to the silly "injury marquee" situation which has become such a running sore. And, in many ways, it's an expedient solution to that little problem.
But if I understand the FFA's registration rules correctly, players of amateur status are not permitted to participate in the A-League. Perhaps the FFA could organize a waiver of sorts for the youth players, but the lines may become awkwardly blurred at some point (for instance, if a youth player "filling in" performs better than a player of similar age on the senior roster...).
...Each Youth Player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time
Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) allowed to play in Youth League Match...
3. Erm, how exactly does that work??
If there are four over-age players in the first eleven, then how do all the youth players on the team-sheet (of 15 players) get 30 minutes' game time? Four substitutions?
It would have helped if the phrase "30 minutes game time" had been clarified a little.
A-League clubs must draw replacement players from the Youth League Player Squad, except under certain circumstances.
4. Just what are these "circumstances"?
No elaboration or examples? It would be good to know.
"When combined with existing State-based competitions, players in the national youth league will play between 35-40 games each year."
5. Does this mean that the FFA is intending to enter these youth sides in the state leagues (or their respective youth competitions)?
If so, then I can hear the growls from Parklea already. The question would arise, too, of what would happen to the Newcastle and Central Coast youth sides, given the geographical make-up of the NSWPL.
If the idea is for the kids to play in existing state league teams in the A-League off-season, then fine (although there might be some registration issues there too).
Some more to come, particularly with reference to Rob Baan's rather touchy-feely comments about the philosophy of the new league. Tune in tomorrow.
For the first time in Australia's football history, we will have a nationwide youth league, and the FFA are to be commended for the initiative.
Having said that, plenty of questions remain; not only about the financial viability of the new league (coming, as it does, at the same time as the expansion of the senior competition), but about the details of the plan unveiled today by Ben Buckley and Rob Baan.
So then, herewith a few devil's advocate-style questions with regard to some of the statements contained in today's release:
...Youth Development Players will sign a Youth Development Agreement which is of amateur status...
1. Will the amateur nature of the competition prove a disincentive to some players?
Clearly the expenses of the start-up league have precluded any payments beyond the normal expenses of travel, accommodation and so forth. All well and good. But would this perhaps put some of our better 19-20-year-olds off?
Let me put it this way. Certain youngsters playing in the State Leagues - at youth or senior level - are fairly happy with their lot (to my knowledge) because they are able to hold down a job while pursuing a possible career in football. The geographically concentrated nature of the state leagues makes this feasible.
But with the travel associated with a national youth league, a full-time job might be compromised to some extent. For kids who aren't certain of their future in football, it could be an unenviable dilemma.
This would normally be less of an issue with 16-18-year-olds, of course.
2. What happens when clubs draw on the youth side for senior team replacements?
The requirement for clubs to do this is probably a reaction to the silly "injury marquee" situation which has become such a running sore. And, in many ways, it's an expedient solution to that little problem.
But if I understand the FFA's registration rules correctly, players of amateur status are not permitted to participate in the A-League. Perhaps the FFA could organize a waiver of sorts for the youth players, but the lines may become awkwardly blurred at some point (for instance, if a youth player "filling in" performs better than a player of similar age on the senior roster...).
...Each Youth Player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time
Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) allowed to play in Youth League Match...
3. Erm, how exactly does that work??
If there are four over-age players in the first eleven, then how do all the youth players on the team-sheet (of 15 players) get 30 minutes' game time? Four substitutions?
It would have helped if the phrase "30 minutes game time" had been clarified a little.
A-League clubs must draw replacement players from the Youth League Player Squad, except under certain circumstances.
4. Just what are these "circumstances"?
No elaboration or examples? It would be good to know.
"When combined with existing State-based competitions, players in the national youth league will play between 35-40 games each year."
5. Does this mean that the FFA is intending to enter these youth sides in the state leagues (or their respective youth competitions)?
If so, then I can hear the growls from Parklea already. The question would arise, too, of what would happen to the Newcastle and Central Coast youth sides, given the geographical make-up of the NSWPL.
If the idea is for the kids to play in existing state league teams in the A-League off-season, then fine (although there might be some registration issues there too).
Some more to come, particularly with reference to Rob Baan's rather touchy-feely comments about the philosophy of the new league. Tune in tomorrow.
Comments:
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Hi Mike - great commentary as always. Really enjoy your analysis.
...Each Youth Player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time
Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) allowed to play in Youth League Match...
3. Erm, how exactly does that work??
Since there's 10-12 youth development players, i can see the 4 overage players situation working ONLY if there are only up to 11 YD players at the club. That way you've got 11 players on the field, sub 3 of your overage players off and sub on your remaining 2 or 3 youth players. If you've got 12 youth players, each requiring 30 minutes game time... I'd say you're limited to only fielding 3 overage players? It's unclear, but if my maths is right it *is* possible (if pretty unwieldy). I don't understand though, if you're allowed to have a minimum of 10 youth players, and maximum of 4 overage.. how do you get 15 on your teamsheet?
...Each Youth Player must receive a minimum of 30 minutes game time
Four over-age players (including goalkeeper) allowed to play in Youth League Match...
3. Erm, how exactly does that work??
Since there's 10-12 youth development players, i can see the 4 overage players situation working ONLY if there are only up to 11 YD players at the club. That way you've got 11 players on the field, sub 3 of your overage players off and sub on your remaining 2 or 3 youth players. If you've got 12 youth players, each requiring 30 minutes game time... I'd say you're limited to only fielding 3 overage players? It's unclear, but if my maths is right it *is* possible (if pretty unwieldy). I don't understand though, if you're allowed to have a minimum of 10 youth players, and maximum of 4 overage.. how do you get 15 on your teamsheet?
I agree, a great analysis. I too am having problems gluing the various pieces of the puzzle together. I suppose a media release it just that, but I'd like to see more detail soon.
The numbers certainly have trouble adding up.
The issue about amateur status and playing in state leagues is a curious factor.
Related to that the number of games to be played seems to indicated some formal link up with state league clubs - how will this work?
The numbers certainly have trouble adding up.
The issue about amateur status and playing in state leagues is a curious factor.
Related to that the number of games to be played seems to indicated some formal link up with state league clubs - how will this work?
I don't think that point 1 is an issue. If you have the confidence, belief and talent to make it at the top level then the 2 year amateur status should be regarded as an educational sacrifice for the sake of your discipline. After this time, if they don't think that they are good enough, they can opt out and play in the state leagues or persue whatever path they wish. People go to Tafe or Uni without the guarentee of employment upon completion of their qualification. Some may opt out to earn a dollar. This is no different.
# posted by 
: March 6, 2008 at 8:13 PM
: March 6, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Thanks for the comments all.
...I don't think that point 1 is an issue. If you have the confidence, belief and talent to make it at the top level then the 2 year amateur status should be regarded as an educational sacrifice for the sake of your discipline. After this time, if they don't think that they are good enough, they can opt out and play in the state leagues or persue whatever path they wish. People go to Tafe or Uni without the guarentee of employment upon completion of their qualification. Some may opt out to earn a dollar. This is no different....
There is a difference there IMHO. If you go to Uni or TAFE to get a qualification, even if you don't end up using it immediately you still have that qualification on graduation, which is something you'll have for life. With football, if you don't make the grade you pretty much have to start from scratch.
There are kids facing such dilemmas at the moment in the NSWPL and thereabouts.
...I don't think that point 1 is an issue. If you have the confidence, belief and talent to make it at the top level then the 2 year amateur status should be regarded as an educational sacrifice for the sake of your discipline. After this time, if they don't think that they are good enough, they can opt out and play in the state leagues or persue whatever path they wish. People go to Tafe or Uni without the guarentee of employment upon completion of their qualification. Some may opt out to earn a dollar. This is no different....
There is a difference there IMHO. If you go to Uni or TAFE to get a qualification, even if you don't end up using it immediately you still have that qualification on graduation, which is something you'll have for life. With football, if you don't make the grade you pretty much have to start from scratch.
There are kids facing such dilemmas at the moment in the NSWPL and thereabouts.
It may well be a qualification of sorts. If Zadkovich can go around being called "ex-Notts County player" and making a dollar out of it, then certainly someone being an ex-Sydney FC youth player may cut some ice in the state leagues. Also, Uni and Tafe students pay HECS. Surely, football players don't expect to get off for free. Also, I agree that a qualification is forever. I'm assuming that you are the best teacher that you can possibly be - so, when is the last time that you represented your country ? ;) Different vocations have different rewards at the ultimate level. We will never have that chance in our chosen career.
Financially, true, its tricky. But if I really had confidence in my ability I'd take the punt.
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Financially, true, its tricky. But if I really had confidence in my ability I'd take the punt.
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