Quote Originally Posted by Aegon View Post
Having watched some community games recently (including 12A's), I think one of the side effects of SAP is that community teams have been gutted of not just high performers but nearly all the half decent kids as well.
Taking the 12's for example:
300ish kids in SAP are in this age group now.
Community has 8 grades of 8 teams, so maybe 800+ kids?
So over 1 in every 4 boys are now playing SAP, receiving training 2-3 times per week from 8-9 years of age from in most cases a higher standard of coach with TD support.

There aren't as many motivated coaches that stick with community teams anymore nor kids that stand out from the rest.

I think the late bloomers are going to be much fewer and far between. More likely they'll be kids that have swapped from other sports and have stand out physical abilities.
Good point! I guess I came through during a time where it was Macquarie, NPS or HV SYL so what 50-60players in “elite pathways” and no Newcastle United/Jets pathways. Only NSWIS.
So good point.

I’m curious how most parents find out about SAP and NPL Youth?
Word of mouth, coaches telling them, clubs notifying them, more so those that were not a part of a club providing the SAP experience. I imagine once you’re in SAP, talk soon turns to NPL.