Quote Originally Posted by Arsenal222 View Post
Grading squads is about developing kids, when kids with equivalent skill levels train together, coaches can plan training sessions to their skill levels and build upon them.

Having a lopsided squad just to get an even result on game day does nothing for the weaker players as the stronger players dominate and the weaker players see the ball far less. It’s the same on training days, do coaches coach to the weakest player or strongest player ? Either way it’s to the detriment of one or the other. Grading squads goes a long way to evening this out and better development, it’s not about winning on game day in JDL it’s the best way to develop kids of all levels.

Grade squads and graded competition will ultimately end up with better football development, happier kids and a stronger football base for the region.
Completely disagree with all of this. Statistics show that a high percentage of elite footballers come from non elite football streams with a high number coming from country areas. In most cases your kid will develop better in a non-graded team, have more touches etc etc. Graded teams are just for trophy hunters and parents social media pages.