50 replies to this topic

[GeordieSaint]

Not really - most of the school teams are made up of those who already play in Community Clubs. It should be the other way - start scholarships later, not sooner

I appreciate that. I just remember from my youth playing cricket a similar option was available.

That would be a brilliant idea but it would depend on the demand on the kids, we've kids who are being told not to play at their community clubs by the pro clubs.

When I was a kid, all the best cricket players from schools within the Wigan Met Borough (sadly I went to a school in Wigan despite living in St Helens) all came together to play at the relevant age groups against other 'town' teams. I remember playing against Mancester, Tameside, St Helens, Liverpool, Blackpool, Bolton schools etc. We then were given some 'top-level' coaching from various high level coaches in the areas in order to improve our performance. This competition then fed the Lancashire County sides and the centre of excellence. To me, this seems like a perfect model to implement as a development tool. It had no real impact on the local cricket clubs as we trained/played during the week, normally a Wednesday, which freed everyone up to train/play for their clubs as normal.

[LordCharles]

Never ceases to amaze me how everyone seems to contact you just to tell you they're folding but don't seem to tell the NW Youth League the same ..... bit of scaremongering again in preparation for your upcoming BARLA Winter League meeting perhaps??

It was also pointed out to you exactly why teams had folded and in several cases this had nothing whatsoever to do with the reasons you tried to imply. Of course, on here, you have a whole new audience who aren't necessarily aware of the facts rather than those who were present at the meeting.

Perhaps after 32 years as a player, coach and administrator it turns out I know and speak too a lot of people within the game regularly?

Especially when lads I played with are now coaching and even players I have coached are now coaching, just a thought

Edited by LordCharles, 29 August 2012 - 10:10 AM.

[Marauder]

I appreciate that. I just remember from my youth playing cricket a similar option was available.



When I was a kid, all the best cricket players from schools within the Wigan Met Borough (sadly I went to a school in Wigan despite living in St Helens) all came together to play at the relevant age groups against other 'town' teams. I remember playing against Mancester, Tameside, St Helens, Liverpool, Blackpool, Bolton schools etc. We then were given some 'top-level' coaching from various high level coaches in the areas in order to improve our performance. This competition then fed the Lancashire County sides and the centre of excellence. To me, this seems like a perfect model to implement as a development tool. It had no real impact on the local cricket clubs as we trained/played during the week, normally a Wednesday, which freed everyone up to train/play for their clubs as normal.

I can see no problem with that at all, the Pro clubs could get involved and monitor the kids on a wednesday evening as well as providing coaching from Pro players, this would leave the community game clubs to carry on with producing junior teams.

[bowes]

Given the vast majority of open age and all juniors play summer then logically youth also should in the North West. However, scholarship games must be scrapped or made post season.

[GeordieSaint]

I can see no problem with that at all, the Pro clubs could get involved and monitor the kids on a wednesday evening as well as providing coaching from Pro players, this would leave the community game clubs to carry on with producing junior teams.

It's probably easier to monitor than the Lancashire CCC model as many areas have professional or semi professional clubs in THAT area hence players/coaches don't have as far to travel. The issue is non-pro club areas such as the Northeast or the Midlands etc.

[Marauder]

This is apparently what has been said at one leading pro club to its scholars . Go back to your community club and finish your season because that is the agreement, BUT be aware that the pre season training will be very intense and you may fall behind in preperation.

So put yourself in the kids shoes how would you read into that message ?

It's not only happening with kids either, we've had a couple who have been playing at U23's or was it U21's (age groups change to quick to keep up ) I'm glad to say both players are back in full training and should be playing this weekend in the opening game of the season.

[LordCharles]

Given the vast majority of open age and all juniors play summer then logically youth also should in the North West. However, scholarship games must be scrapped or made post season.

Does'nt work, as has been proven, reason being starting in March when they leave school in May at U16's just dessimates the leagues and teams as the lads look to venture out in to the big wide world.

Previously they would have started their U16's season in September and it would have been finished in May, in line with their school year so it had very little effect on their circumstances, except for exams and studying.

Once they leave school its a complete different ball game and its also at the time of year most families start to go on holiday or take part in their summer pursuits/interests/activities, so the impact is quite severe as has been shown to be the case this year.

The majority of teams at youth level who have completed fixtures have done so with often less than 13 players or just 13 or 14 at the most, so squad sizes not taking in to consideration injuries etc have been drastically effected.

Edited by LordCharles, 29 August 2012 - 10:37 AM.

[Sam Armstrong]

Perhaps after 32 years as a player, coach and administrator it turns out I know and speak too a lot of people within the game regularly?

Especially when lads I played with are now coaching and even players I have coached are now coaching, just a thought

Ahhh right .... so that's how it works. Ok, I started as a player at 8 and am now an administrator at 48 so, on your reckoning, does that mean my 40 years experience beats your 32???

[LordCharles]

Ahhh right .... so that's how it works. Ok, I started as a player at 8 and am now an administrator at 48 so, on your reckoning, does that mean my 40 years experience beats your 32???

PMSL................typical response as usual Sam, go on then elaborate on your 40 years as a player, coach, member of an amateur club and within administration?

And I suggest you read my post correctly as it does not suggest anything other than the chances are I speak to a lot of people regularly due to the length of time I have been involved in the game and the friendships and aquaintances I have as a result.

Edited by LordCharles, 29 August 2012 - 11:12 AM.

[GeordieSaint]

PMSL................typical response as usual Sam, go on then elaborate on your 40 years as a player, coach, member of an amateur club and within administration?

You're both as bad as each other. If these similar relationships or rifts occur throughout the game from junior to professional, it no wonder the game is in a bit of a mess.

Everybody has to work together be it BARLA, the RFL or the NCL. Everybody has a responsibility to help each other, not backstab each other and try to get one over the other. Junior/Youth rugby SHOULD feed into the open age game at all levels, but the professional levels of the game shouldn't do so at the expense of the amateur set up at all age groups. If the situation on the ground is anything like these message boards, well, the game has some real issues on both sides of the fence.

Edited by GeordieSaint, 29 August 2012 - 11:20 AM.

[Marauder]

It's probably easier to monitor than the Lancashire CCC model as many areas have professional or semi professional clubs in THAT area hence players/coaches don't have as far to travel. The issue is non-pro club areas such as the Northeast or the Midlands etc.

That could be done by the development officer in that area and it shouldn't be to much trouble for pro clubs to rotate their time and energy into these areas.

Does'nt work, as has been proven, reason being starting in March when they leave school in May at U16's just dessimates the leagues and teams as the lads look to venture out in to the big wide world.

Previously they would have started their U16's season in September and it would have been finished in May, in line with their school year so it had very little effect on their circumstances, except for exams and studying.

Once they leave school its a complete different ball game and its also at the time of year most families start to go on holiday or take part in their summer pursuits/interests/activities, so the impact is quite severe as has been shown to be the case this year.

The majority of teams at youth level who have completed fixtures have done so with often less than 13 players or just 13 or 14 at the most, so squad sizes not taking in to consideration injuries etc have been drastically effected.

My last venture into coaching kids (U11's 3 years ago) was during the summer at friendly tournaments, teams would borrow and loan players to make sides up, because of this we never encountered a problem with holidays but I suppose this system really masked the problem by the friendliness of everyone involved,

I never once encountered a shortage of players in the traditional season where I coached a team from U13's to U16's, however once these kids left school numbers fell to the extent that the team folded after half moved out of the area and onto Uni.

[TaxiEgg]

Whats this my dads bigger than your dad, some people need to grow up ,this was a sensible thread until you two continued your personal fued .

Sit down together and sort it out or you could go on Jeremy Kyle .

Edited by TaxiEgg, 29 August 2012 - 11:27 AM.

[Marauder]

Ahhh right .... so that's how it works. Ok, I started as a player at 8 and am now an administrator at 48 so, on your reckoning, does that mean my 40 years experience beats your 32???

That theory means I beat you (First played at 11 last played at 44 started on the club committee at 24 and still involved at 56) and as a one amateur club man I'd say I'm faithful.

[Marauder]

Whats this my dads bigger than your dad, some people need to grow up ,this was a sensible thread until you two continued your personal fued .

Sit down together and sort it out or you could go on Jeremy Kyle .

Thats a good point Jezza to be the new CEO for the RFL & BARLA

[gillmeister]

The Winter based leagues in Yorkshire seem to be doing OK under BARLA

That is down to the quality of the administrators involved with the likes of the Pennine League nothing whatsoever to do with BARLA!

[LordCharles]

Whats this my dads bigger than your dad, some people need to grow up ,this was a sensible thread until you two continued your personal fued .

Sit down together and sort it out or you could go on Jeremy Kyle .

No fued here, just a difference of opinion

[Marauder]

You're both as bad as each other. If these similar relationships or rifts occur throughout the game from junior to professional, it no wonder the game is in a bit of a mess.

Everybody has to work together be it BARLA, the RFL or the NCL. Everybody has a responsibility to help each other, not backstab each other and try to get one over the other. Junior/Youth rugby SHOULD feed into the open age game at all levels, but the professional levels of the game shouldn't do so at the expense of the amateur set up at all age groups. If the situation on the ground is anything like these message boards, well, the game has some real issues on both sides of the fence.

Joking aside your right about the rifts within the game.

So far I see the ex-BARLA boys who fell out with BARLA have now jumped into bed with the RFL, If the trend of losing players and clubs continue because of the RFL policies of having to play in the summer will the same ex-BARLA/ex-RFL go and form their own private league?

[LordCharles]

That is down to the quality of the administrators involved with the likes of the Pennine League nothing whatsoever to do with BARLA!

I do think that is a very good point.

[Sam Armstrong]

That theory means I beat you (First played at 11 last played at 44 started on the club committee at 24 and still involved at 56) and as a one amateur club man I'd say I'm faithful.

I bow down accordingly!!!

[LordCharles]

Joking aside your right about the rifts within the game.

So far I see the ex-BARLA boys who fell out with BARLA have now jumped into bed with the RFL, If the trend of losing players and clubs continue because of the RFL policies of having to play in the summer will the same ex-BARLA/ex-RFL go and form their own private league?

What else is your crystal ball telling you?