Article on Ivory Coast academy that produced Wilfried Bony

[Assasin]

It goes beyond football. A just how we do business. I think it was great that Bibi and Fuller got great contracts but it was used as leverage for other players and most clubs don't have that kind a money to spend.

[Gamma]

more than that Dunny .... playing football competitively for 2-3 months will not cut it when kids at the same age are playing and or training 9 months of the year.

that is one of the things that has become really stark in these u20's. at one time we were closer but now the world is moving on and we are being left behind. the roster from the us team included players affiliated with MLS teams, spurs, FC freiburg and other professional clubs.

we had JC/STETHS/C'Down .... mind you ... no Campion

[Gamma]

the specialised football schools make a difference.

[Assasin]

Dunny a top football prospect leaving school at 20? In England all student leave at 16.

[Bricktop]

and look at where they are recruiting the kids from...the streets & informal neighbourhood clubs...not schools...scout the talent from early & then immerse them in football...interesting to point out that of over 7000 tryouts one Ivory Coast academy selected only 8 players...

[Dunny]

Dunny a top football prospect leaving school at 20? In England all student leave at 16.

It really doesn't matter what age they leave school, however if they are playing Manning and D-Cup the age limit should be U17. Then between 16-20 they need to be in a football environment either club or academy putting in more hours of training. In England kids who are playing football either play for their local clubs or train with professional club satellite academies where the train after school 2-3 times per week. Even at 16yrs old Pro clubs are still recruiting youngsters to their academy. so there is no reason why these yougsters can't make it as top pro's after schoolboy football.

[Gamma]

you think schoolboy football alone can cut it?

really? did you watch the u20's?

[Assasin]

Dunny, I don't really care if they stay in school. Manning Cup shouldn't be the top level game they play. My point was they are playing DCUP and Manning cup. Most footballer in England are in organized football by 17 years old as you said.

It is a waste for our youths to be doing that. Coaches encouraging your kids from taking up scholarship and moving to clubs to win Dcup and Manning cup for their school. There is no concern about their development.

[Assasin]

Also Dunny, many of the schools have no field, no budget and do not have a paid coach on staff. Don't be fooled by the few top schools who are doing a decent job.

[Gamma]

in the schoolboy competition someone will win and that person will be schoolboy champion ... all that says is that they are better than the rest. it is no indication of the standard or level of football.

[Dunny]

I can't understand why everyone is having a go at schoolboy football, at least the youths are playing some sort of football. Take away schoolboy football and we have nothing. Is that what we want?

[Assasin]

You don't read what we want??? There is a difference in saying schoolboy football is best for us than saying it is what we have. Nobody is saying get rid of it but we need other structure to enhance it and youth development on a whole.

Fact is we can't depend on high school football alone.

[Bricktop]

schoolboy football can stay...as an intramural activity...with those with professional aspirations being developed in football centric academies...where they will compete with and against the very best

[myYout]

Right!!

[Gamma]

read and understand dunny ... our U20 team should not be made up of schoolboy footballers. that is not having a go at schoolboy football. As you say it is better than nothing.

schoolboy football is not good enough to complete at the u20 level internationally. that is basically the point. in a year or two maybe not even u17 and u15.