Quote Originally Posted by Goatscheese View Post
Not sure if that is really the case as to why the top players don't want to go. Some don't go because they don't want the extra work, some don't go because they feel they will get better development at NL1 because of coaches, some don't get a look in at NPL clubs and some hear bad stuff about some NPL clubs and don't want to go to that. I heard one U13 coach tell a player not to go to one of the lower NPL clubs because that club is shit you won't learn anything and you will hate it, really that coach wanted to ensure he had a player that would be one of the best in the comp. That player did end up going to the NPL club in question and has now even spent some time playing U14 games.
Hi guys.

This is a fantastic discussion. Thanks for having it.

My son is headed to U13 next season and we are currently at this crossroads. He is a higher performing player in a NL1 U12 SAP team and he doesn’t want to leave his coach and team but wants to play NPL. If as is being said the youth league is decoupled and his club are included then I see no point him going anywhere because he’ll get the competition he craves.

BUT I just don’t know how much better the environment is at NPL clubs. We have been with our club since Noah’s ark.

I’m realistic enough to know he might not find a place in those top tier NPL clubs but believe him strong enough for many of the others. I assume the top tier U13 teams will mainly pick from their SAP squads, and rightly so.

A