Academies Policy
The clubs stated position is that whilst we recognise academies may be beneficial for the truly exception player we believe that academies are often detrimental to the development of young players who are all too often recruited at far too young an age. This unfortunately takes players, who statistically have an extremely small chance of becoming a professional footballer, out of main stream grass roots youth football and remove the opportunity to enjoy playing football with their friends and develop their technical ability without the constant the pressure of potentially losing their academy position. The clubs view is that if players are allowed to develop naturally and they have the talent they will be identified and have the opportunity to sign for an academy at a more appropriate age of 13 or 14.
Policy
This policy applies to all scouts who wish to speak to the parents of a signed player and parents who are approached or wish to sign or train with professional clubs.
- No professional club representative will be introduced to any parent or be allowed to speak to any child on a match day or during a coaching session.
- The persons contact details and the number of the player(s) who they wish to speak to will be recorded on the day and a subsequent phone call made to verify they are a genuine representative of the club.
- If the individuals details are confirmed by the club the parents will be given the contact details of the club’s representative for them to decide if they wish to pursue any further.
- If the player decides to take up the offer of an trial period the parent of the player must inform the club secretary of the intention to accept a trial period.
- If the player is still able to attend coaching sessions and is available for matches the player may remain a member of the squad and be available for selection.
- If a player decides to accept a contract offer from a professional club the parent of the player must inform the club secretary immediately as the player must be de-registered as per League rules.