Some of the thinking expressed in this thread is a bit of a worry...
The reality is that if we want our national teams to progress, and actually succeed, then we need more of this type of arrangement, not less... prior to Australia's departure to Asia, our U17s only ever qualified for the WC once - 1997, when the vast majority of the squad was based in Auckland because the boys involved were expected to relocate... this allowed them to train daily, and it paid off... sure the results at the WC weren't flash, but the preparation at least got them there.
Same thing in 1999, when the squad was again Auckland based... would they have got the result v Poland etc if they'd stayed spread round the country and gathered the fortnight prior?
Likewise the Women's U17s, most based in Auckland last year and look how well they did.
Personally I don't care whether they're Auckland-based or not, it can be Wellington, Christchurch, Gore, I couldn't care less - as long as they're all in one place training and playing to become a decent side. This HAS to be the basis for future age-group international preparations... and let's be honest, all regional bias aside, Auckland probably makes the most sense in terms of resources etc.
And at the risk of upsetting Hillary Commission-types, if a certain kid doesn't have the mental strength to handle a move at age 16 to further his footballing career, will he have the mental strength to handle the pressures of international football?
Does it really matter where the kid hails from? should this side contain the best players, or be some equal opportunity regionally representative love fest?? I mean saying it's "not fair" is like saying France has it all wrong by making promising youngsters move to Clarefontaine from their home cities... and Australia's Institutes of Sport sure haven't worked... even England have recognised that canning Lilleshall backfired...
And seriously, if there's a major financial or accommodation issue that prevents a youngster relocating, then I'll be the first to chip in and help out. I never ever had the ability to play at that level, but if I'd been offered a chance and it meant moving cities, I would've crawled to get there if I'd had to.
Focus, people...
so if a kid cant handle leaving his friends and family and relocating to another city where he knows no one and has to board with randos - then he is never going to make it in football. Cmon!
how many kids lose interest in the game afte they are forced to move up there - quite a lot