Stoke's Dave Kitson leads call for non-league youth investment
West Ham's Jack Collison and Aston Villa's Curtis Davies have joined the striker in asking for money for grassroots football
From the Guardian
Our nearest pro club Darlington (beware - awful flash encumbered website!) were just relegated from League 2. They have recently announced new Advanced Development Centres in partnership with a non-profit company Elite Advanced Development - website for the Darlington one here.
I made some inquiries about this as they were inviting kids to attend trials - here's a news item from our footy club website.
To the crucial question "who is funding the professional football club's Advanced Development Centres " the answer is - the kids themselves - or of course rather their parents/families via weekly fees and having to buy the required kit.
I think given the amount of money in professional football - it's outrageous that a pro-club does not have the resources to run these types of academies. Darlington FC's financial problems are well known (recently emerging from administration). However many other lower league clubs are following the same route - with players/parents effectively funding the academies.
I sympathise with the plight of the clubs - for them it may well be this method or no academies - but I refuse to join in with it.
Well done to Kitson, Collison & Davies for taking a stand and highlighting the issue.
Stoke's Dave Kitson leads call for non-league youth investment
West Ham's Jack Collison and Aston Villa's Curtis Davies have joined the striker in asking for money for grassroots football
