Good chat here lads.
The thing that worries me the most is how it will or won't work alongside the Phoenix's proposed Academy expansion, and how that might play out for the players.
Widening the scope a bit here, ie pre ASB Youth age groups: Welnix must realise that regional Academies plan is the way to go; and ultimately the cream of the crop will migrate to Wgtn. Issue may be how young Welnix want to identify potential Academy players. In essence NZF already have talent ID set up via WOF plan/National and Regional Talent Centres (though admittedly this currently really only covers 11-15 year old age groups).
I think that is a whole different (and equally interesting) discussion Stretford.
If you compare with the UK the national body does no player development - it's all done by the clubs. If you look at France and some of the Scando countries, the reverse is true.
I don't think there is a perfect system, and each setup has its subtleties and pros/cons. But what I do think is that it would be hugely negative if NZF and WPX competed with each other for the attention and time of elite teenagers.
The NZF FTC/NTC system isn't brilliant, and its quality is variable across the country, but I'd be distressed if the Phoenix came in and tried to run their own thing over top or in parallel with what NZF have had in place (more or less) for ten years.
As you say, that system is for players aged 11-16. I think the Phoenix have commercial desires to be in that space, but I hope they tread carefully. The size of the cake of elite youngsters in NZ is not large, and I don't think there is enough market for both to coexist.
My view is that collaboration will be key in NZ. Between NZF, Federations and the Phoenix (and other private providers). Otherwise we'll end up in a shitfight where young players aren't sure what to do.