Even for those with "other channels", the other channels help, sure, and even if not signed directly out the back of a tournament, they have been looked at, and their CV, experience at that level, highlight reel from it all contribute to the opportunity. It is naive to think that age group representation has not helped a significant number of Kiwis further their career
Not saying it hasn't helped, some players get overseas gigs. But it is worth the large financial & resource investment?
Would a cheaper almost purely domestic, centralised but still high quality national coaching academy setup achieve similar or better?
Sort of already what's happening with the women's game with the FFDP. Lots of Kiwi female players have already secured overseas contracts through that channel.
Perhaps try and develop a pathway with a European club (like Ole have started in Sweden), but at a NZF national level for young quality Kiwi players as a pro football opening.
All I'm saying is what is happening now with the AWs programme is sharkhouse.
If funds/resources is the major issue (which undoubtedly it is - all the other nations at the U20 WC, will have their senior men's teams playing more than one game in 2019!), then things needed to be reviewed rather than just blindly feeling like we have to send teams to all these costly events, just because we are kings of easily the world's weakest football Confederation.
