When every league / competition in NZ says NO to Nix's wanting a youth, Reverser and Academy team playing for competition points i guess there is not much else that can be done. To compensate it these kids have to play friendlies?.
Why they can't be integrated into local clubs? Say not more than 2-3 per club to get some adrenalin pumping on the weekend.
This has to change.
Update:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/9882867/Merrick-rues-little-left-in-the-Phoenix-reserves
Ernie "...we must have a competitive reserve team, playing competitively every week, if we are going to progress"