Academy v Talent Identification

Well this has really got the locals talking. And thank god for the Nearpost; always got a solution and right now that's just what we need.

And in blogland solutions are easy.



Capital Football has put on hold, maybe even scrapped, their plans for a change from the less than equitable and limited current Academy structure to the proposed and advertised FFA facilitated Talent Id program.

First up the Academy has produced a small number of players each year which head to the AIS so from this perspective it has been a success. But most people in Canberra elite football tell me we can produce more elite players given the numbers of kids playing the game.

Luke Pilkington is an example of what can be done outside of a post-Academy boy heading to the AIS. And if developed correctly we can clearly have more who follow Luke's pathway. John Mitchell's training schedule I believe would have assisted Luke to meet his goals, a program provided for boys who miss the AIS but leave our Academy.

And further Kofi Danning didn't attend an Academy but did make it to the AIS so different pathways do exist to elite football if we can provide them.

(Of course the current pathways for our boys suck but that's another story but FFA Board meeting on Aug 24th could change that when the Canberra A-League will get the yay or nay.)

Apparently the Cap Football Board voted against the changes proposed from my understanding. Why?

They clearly didn't think the changes were going to benefit our players. Can't argue with that view if that is their view then they should vote to block the changes but why not do it months ago. They don't look so good right now do they?

Now I would argue that the Board are out of touch with the broad sweep of the Canberra football community. I reckon I have a fairly good handle on the mood of the men and women running our game at junior level across the community.

And it's their kids who will provide the future talented player pool.

And I reckon the only complaints that I've heard about the changes come from those already within the Academy. And it should be noted at least one of the Board have children in the Academy structure. Possible conflict there?

The FFA has deemed that more kids being developed, more often is the way to go. And I haven't met one parent who doesn't think this is a great idea....providing it is run properly. So do the Capital Football Board think they have more football knowledge than the FFA.

Indeed is there a child developer, a former professional player or high level specialised football coach on the board or are they like me people with a view about football but with limited professional, football and child development expertise.

I think many blocking the changes don't seem to realise is the numbers of talented 13 year olds outside the current Academy who could be developed to the same standard thus potentially surpassing the current Academy players in years to come.

Can you really say the current 13 year old in the Academy is one of the best in town and indeed will remain one of the best in years to come. Or is he/she just the wealthiest?

Is the current Academy the best we can do? In 2010 the football landscape is changing dramatically, has changed and will continue to do so. Everyone knows it.

And can all Board members, Academy parents and Coaches, justify this next point!

A player from a family of six doesn't go to Academy trials as his parent can't get him there and if he did they couldn't afford the $1,000 plus cost should he get in. (The case is true btw)
The current development structures in Canberra football does nothing for this talented kid. Nothing. Can the Board justify this continued approach?

And would a Ronaldinho be developed in our town with his financial background?

Is this the spirit of our football development in Canberra?

And losing Academy teams well I can hear the shouts of glee and joy from every parent and kid and club outside the Academy. Not the most popular teams in town are they?

The changes represent the future. More kids being developed, lower costs, so more equitable, north and southside easier for commitment.

Of course I have huge concerns:

Can we get the Coaches of the numbers and standards required. I'm not convinced, not yet.
Development programs without team based games often struggle if not done professionally. Coaches want to test their skills and win! So do players.

And maybe we've gone at the whole process too quick, a case of too much, too soon.

Nearpost Solution:

Why not start with the 9's to say 13's show the community that this can be done correctly and professionally and phase it out at the older level slowly.

This would appease the current vocal Academy parents. Maybe also appease anyone who supports the current system and allow them to find their place in the new mix. Make no mistake we need the current Academy coaches, players and parents, and this is not an attack on them.

It's a debate about the big picture. For all our kids who aspire to develop to an elite level.

Some say the current Coaches haven't been approached. Poppycock. I find that hard to believe. After all the FFA Han Berger gave a presentation to the whole of the ACT football community and ACTAS Coach Milo Milovanovic, Robbie Hooker and Academy Coaches were all present. I was present.

And I didn't hear anyone say boo to Han Berger, only me and me mate the football visionary Anthony Hatton asked a question suggesting the plan wasn't quite so great for Canberra.

So the coaches would know what changes were coming.

If they haven't found out by now well maybe they shouldn't be Coaching the Academy as clearly they don't keep up with or understand the developments in football.

How does the Academy ensure we get the best players currently? It has a fundamental flaw that the Board of Capital Football must address if it is serious about future talented pathways.

And with the huge numbers playing and the changing game in Australia, you can feel the changes sweeping the land in football can't you, now is the time to move to a new approach, a better approach and I'll take the FFA approach over the current flawed structure any day.

The Academy had it's time and place. Football is changing.

But it must be done right and not on the smell of an oily rag with poor coaches. I don't think we have the Coaching base to deliver yet. Someone needs to tell me different.

And the solution is simple in blogland, it always is:

For the rest of us we'll just carry on watching our kids enjoy the game they play.

Elite football? You're dreaming.

No abuse of me! No abuse of individuals in your reply but feel free to argue until that cow comes home