Academy Training: Fergie's View

Harold Bishop Killer · Jun 2, 2011

Just come across this on Sky Sports and it is an interesting point raised by SAF. There would be pros and cons to it but if the balance is found then why shouldn't the FA drop this rule as long as it is regulated in a honest way i.e. Not training youngsters 8 hours a day with limited schooling only to drop them at 16 with no qualifications and no where to go.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_6960326,00.html

MK Shrimper · Jun 2, 2011

Isn't the fact that they should realise their is a world outside that doesn't revolve around kicking a ball about? Kids still need an education.

Pubey · Jun 2, 2011

What age does this apply to? under 16s/GCSEs. should academies be more like schools... where youngsters study some GCSEs alongside much more time doing footy?

Spain has a 20% unemployment record, and 45% of something like under 25s in Barcelona are unemployed... I'm not saying FCB are contributing to this... but it's important that all youngsters get a decent education and don't just follow a dream to play in the Camp Nou where in reality the vast majority won't make the grade as a pro footballer.

Yorkshire Blue · Jun 2, 2011

Two words: Francisco Cagigao.

Harold Bishop Killer · Jun 2, 2011

I think that is the main point entirely. There is no point training a group of 20 14 year olds 7 hours a day with maybe 2 hours of schooling when you know maybe 1 or 2 will ever make the grade. Thus leaving the remaining 18 in a struggling society with no set qualifications or sturdy educational background.And who knows what path they will take from there. And maybe that old saying of quality over quantity could be applied here - why train a youngster for 7 hours a day when it may better to fit in two hours of quality technicial coaching instead.

Pubey · Jun 3, 2011

On a related note, the FA are looking to stop under 13s playing 11-a-side, which I think is a great idea. Personally I think it should go higher than that too, and the focus should be on smaller pitches and smaller games. I play football at Sheff Utd's academy and so get to watch them training before we play. The kids are undoubtedly very talented but occasionally they're playing 11-a-side and it's just inevitable hoofing and chasing (especially seeing is it's Sheff Utd).