2022 NPL Youth thread

[sapdad]

So heres the deal. 8 teams in 3 divisions Y1,Y2,Y3 with 1 team up/down. Here's why.

If there's 8 local teams (maybe added mid/north coast) these Y1 clubs can strengthen those week grades to ensure all grades are very competitive right through. nearly every game is a contest. Initially any team with a weak age can "attract" better players.
Now this will weaken certain clubs a little in the beginning especially if they had one good grade but these clubs are letting down other clubs in 2/3 other age divisions with lopsided games.

One team up/down each year means that only the team going up needs to ensure all their grades are ready. Other clubs can build as they see fit to rise when they are ready if they want. Clubs like Rosebuds or Lake Mac might really suit Y2 grade as they focus wholly on the player and not results. Other clubs like Toronto might be happy in Y3 so they arent pressured to find 4 youth sides to match NL/Southy/BelS and or other strong teams that can turn kids away.

As we have seen not everyone wants to play NPL if it means getting smashed. So this theory proposes that those last are still fairly competitive and those that arent strong enough for Y1 can be successful in decent company in Y2 or Y3.

Right now we are kidding ourselves with this structure. Its getting harder each year to find a good game to watch.

I like this proposal and its pretty similar to the majority of opinions on the forum.Another thing id like to see in youth if it is indeed based on a "club championship" is that clubs are awarded some sort of incentive for their own JDL players.Not sure exactly how to word it but rewarding clubs for having NPL youth that has come through their JDL system would certainly change some clubs behavior.Maybe having an incentive for clubs to play kids with at least 2 years JDL or community experience at a club would make a difference and help clubs avoid relegation if they are on the cusp.