The big drawback not having a dedicated true PDL (one that has a few old heads playing in largely a youth development team of u21's) is that all senior games are played at 2.30. This means for emerging clubs with div1 as their 1st team there is no scope to operate a Development team in tandem with its 1st division team. I'd imagine it works well for MPL/PDL now, so why shouldnt the same structure be considered seriously for Div1 clubs? It would make a more meaningfull link than a standalone u21 league, put less pressure on player numbers u21, and create a great culture for clubs. Players being blooded into competitive senior football should be able to attend both matches in order to learn by playing (part) matches and/or simply observe and be "part of" the pathway. Not sure if it matters if club has a team in both MPL and Div1?
The big drawback not having a dedicated true PDL (one that has a few old heads playing in largely a youth development team of u21's) is that all senior games are played at 2.30. This means for emerging clubs with div1 as their 1st team there is no scope to operate a Development team in tandem with its 1st division team. I'd imagine it works well for MPL/PDL now, so why shouldnt the same structure be considered seriously for Div1 clubs? It would make a more meaningfull link than a standalone u21 league, put less pressure on player numbers u21, and create a great culture for clubs. Players being blooded into competitive senior football should be able to attend both matches in order to learn by playing (part) matches and/or simply observe and be "part of" the pathway. Not sure if it matters if club has a team in both MPL and Div1?