This post has been merged from a topic called 'The Academy ' by becky

As playing trends change in football, so do the requirements of the younger players. Possession based football can now be seen all the way down the football pyramid.

So a few short years ago, physical strength was considered of paramount importance. Now that's not enough. Technique, control and touch have to be there as well.

I take your point, how can you see into the future ? But for the here and now these are the judgement calls the coaches have to make.

Old, Ungifted and White

This post has been merged from a topic called 'The Academy ' by becky

Game is only going 1 way. And they see a lot of talented footballers.

If he isn't technically good at 11, it probably means that he isn't technically good enough naturally and will never get where they want him to get to.

This post has been merged from a topic called 'The Academy ' by becky

i do like the programme and the facilities look great, however, at aged 10 or 11 would it not be better reducing the pressure on these young kids?

Also the parents are just terrible. I have found this aspect really off putting. I suspect Palace have tried to involve the families, however, i suspect some training behind closed doors or at a minimum asking parents to keep quiet (easier said than done) is required going forward. Seeing some parents making their kids cry is hard to watch.

Also, the focus on a professional contract is really just the start of the journey. Noticed Sam Woods - young Palace CB is now playing in the conference south with is part time. He had 3 years as a pro at Palace and 2 loans. After leaving Palace last summer he went to Barnet. Suspect he is one of the more successful ones

That surprises me, I was impressed with Sam Woods.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

I read posts with intrigue
Ultimately the Academy is a business churn - by all means disagree but it is.

1) generate players who can play first team - what is the success ratio at Palace versus Chelsea vs Crewe I wonder ?

2) generate a player who can be loaned on to another club who can get game time & mature with view to bring back to 1st team in 1st /2nd season

3) failing 2 or 1 - keep loaning him out at profit or Sell at a price with profit

For this aim the plan is for each club to generate a Profit, generate a couple of players to be in the 1st team - Zaha / Clyde / Mitchell

Thus catching kids early is the key knowing A) if you don’t They will ( They being other clubs in catchment region)
Knowing a very very very small % will make it to 1st team , gain a contract at academy.
So ultimately if they don’t make the grade they get cut ,let go to seek alternative clubs Ie lower Prem ,Championship or lower levels sadly but the dream got the kid continues

Arsenal had a sound academy where they had education classes also in the program - so if you don’t make the contract you still don’t loose out on the basic skills of Math English Problem Solving ( gone since Wenger left)

EPL - football life is ruthless if you don’t make the cut shattered dreams for kid & parents - That’s Football Life that’s business at a very young age !

Forever Palace Proud