Hi Broonie
First time posting so be kind.
I think this is a massively important question that Broonie raises, what has changed ? why are we no longer getting the same number of players into the NZ rep teams that we historically have ? been out of the game for a while, so can someone tell me what we doing diffidently to the other federations in terms of youth development.
Does our local governing body have to much input ?
Do we need a centralized academy along the lines of the ole ?
Which clubs have half decent youth development programs ?
Lots of questions I know, anyone got any answers to the above.
Hi, one of my regular moans - I don't see it getting any better soon now that Mainland are working with the new licence / elite club model. The players coming through 13th and over and picked via Mainland FTC are going to be the ones that can afford the new ridiculous fees charged or imposed, not neccesarily just the most talented. There are planty of players who did reps now playing outside the premier youth leagues.
Not even thinking of how many will burn out or get fed up when they MUST train 3 days per week minimum and not bve allowed to play with their mates in thye school comp.
Good example of this in another sport. A decent basketball player called Steven Adams wasn't able to play for NZ age group teams due to financial reasons. Money shouldn't be the reason an elite player isn't able to play. I would hope that clubs would allow good dialogue between themselves and little Johnny/Jill parent's if money is an issue. Also, sometimes a parent needs to just ask the club if options are available to help financially.
I personally don't have an issue with the charging for coaching, it is no different to paying for music lessons, swimming lessons, scouts/guides etc. Sometimes it is finding what your child is passionate about.
