
Originally Posted by
Largesse
Raw cost. Plus $100 (at least) in petrol a week...
Which brings me to what is missing from this chat. Are the kids having fun and developing a lifelong love of football? That's the end goal. 99% won't make it so what are we doing to make sure the rest are the players, coaches, refs, volunteers of the future? They have to enjoy it. Is 200+ hours/year in the car the right option for kids? Yes it's stronger competition but is it worth it?
I don't think Newcastle has the resources to support more than about 10 teams at PYL level. And by resources I mean players, coaches, training facilities, refs, volunteers. IMO stick with 10 fixed Division 1 clubs, filter the talent (players and coaches) there rather than dilute it across more and more teams. If there are players at the right level bashing the door down and every club has full squads (not the case now) then look at expansion.
Get the Jets in Newy somehow and have multiple NNSW squads playing school holidays tournaments/round robins.