@ClubOranje
Grow up.
@Ranix
Please don't assume everyone who goes to academies is rich. It's very far from the truth. For three years we paid more for our daughter to play college netball, train twice a week and be coached by a parent than we did for our son to be at Ole training five times a week with professional coaches. We aren't rich, we make what we consider the necessary sacrifices for him to try to achieve his goal of being a professional footballer and have a two hour round trip to every session.
@martyn
I admire your dedication, and it's good to hear that the Ole program is not too expensive. I also have to drive many hours for kids to attend regional level sports, NAGT, trials, training etc. Eveyone wants the best opportunities for there kids. No doubt
Reality is these days that after school sports and activities are expensive, and costs do add up especially if you have a big family and for alot of families some sports academy programs are a luxury. Especially if it means having to send your kids to boarding school in another city along way from where you live and work. (albeit alot of people do this, but alot can't afford to do this as well)
In context, My reply and comment was to someone else that posted about national youth teams saying. "I'd be very concerned if Olé and the Nix weren't providing almost the entire squad".
Those kids that can't attend Ole and Nix for what ever reason need to see there are other pathways to national selection, otherwise those kids are going to give up there goals and dreams. And potential will be lost.
There are alot of other good regional programs and coaches around the country that are putting in huge effort to help these kids attain there goals and dreams. And alot of parents around the country that drive there kids for many hours to get the best coaching that's available to them in the regions.