Quote Originally Posted by Bremsstrahlung View Post
As for the youth. I?m not sure that affects retention directly. But if a club can formulate a connection between JDL, youth and NPL seniors they will flourish. If there?s a pathway, if there?s a place within clubs for players stuck between the youth/first grade jump.
I agree, there needs to be more connection and clubs need a stronger culture. A lot of reasons why they don't including that each group tend to be run by sub-committees and don't have people looking over all of it to make a connection. I know some clubs invite their JDL teams in to be mascots for the 1st grade teams, others have 1st graders attend their youth training, which is probably a good way to bring about a connection and bring rapport. Of course clubs need to also not just think they need to win reserves, see some great players kicked out because they are 18 because the club wants to win reserves so will take 20-24yos rather than use it to give these young guns experience.


Playing 18s on the same day as seniors could help getting the families acquainted with senior football, players can sit bench for reserves, youth can come sit bench for 18s and experience seniors.
I also just think a bit of a bigger gameday would be a bit better bang for back for spectators. Clubs can take gate from the parents too (lol).
I don't really have an issue either way, but I don't think this is the solution, 18s not being on the same day has only just begun this year, but the problem it is meant to solve has been happening when 18s where on the same day, so clearly it isn't the solution or the change being the reason why players leave clubs.