Quote Originally Posted by sapdad View Post
My mates kid isnt allowed to trial/meet with other clubs even though he hasnt been given a spot.They are still considering picking him (unless they find someone better) and seem to be hinting that if he does meet/trial with anyone else then hes no chance to stay.I dont think this is a particularly good way to behave towards kids of that age.
Unfortunately that is what the "power" brokers at some clubs do. Make threats to a kid. Unless your kid has a written contract with a club they have absolutely no hold over you. What if your mate's son was trialling with the Jets or Mariners? Is that a reason to dump him? Some local SAP clown wants to hold him back? Insane. The club will dump on a kid as soon as a more desired prospect appears. That's it. Kids/families have the same option. If a kid is good enough but trials elsewhere and misses out, I don't think the current club will be rid of him unless there is a better option presenting himself as a replacement. Self interest will always rule as we strive to be the top of the local dung heap.

Any club that says to a kid "if you trial elsewhere then there is no longer spot for you here" is a disgrace. Instead of threatening a kid, they should be asking themselves "why is he looking elsewhere?" The kid/family is delivering a message to you. Wake up and read it.