At the end of the day the only thing that is going to attract young players to Dunedin is the university. The top U17s and U20s in the country are most likely to try their hand overseas on trials, or more likely, at universities in the US. Which leaves Otago at best with second tier youth players, or home grown talent - which may turn up the odd quality player every other year, but not enough to build competitive youth teams around or develop a good senior squad (i.e. the good players then leave for greener pastures). Seems like the only solution is a top down regional approach that has the backing of NZ football and looks to link in with schools, clubs and perhaps a youth team leading into the National league team. Also some carrots like those Milk Cup trips.
Current version
Posted March 04, 2009 08:46 · last edited March 18, 2021 07:42
At the end of the day the only thing that is going to attract young players to Dunedin is the university. The top U17s and U20s in the country are most likely to try their hand overseas on trials, or more likely, at universities in the US. Which leaves Otago at best with second tier youth players, or home grown talent - which may turn up the odd quality player every other year, but not enough to build competitive youth teams around or develop a good senior squad (i.e. the good players then leave for greener pastures). Seems like the only solution is a top down regional approach that has the backing of NZ football and looks to link in with schools, clubs and perhaps a youth team leading into the National league team. Also some carrots like those Milk Cup trips.