Can you help with my Sons University Study on football academies

[1968claret]

Fellow Clarets

My son is studying multi media journalism at University and as part of his final year studies he is developing a campaign aiming to prompt change in the football youth academy system and for football clubs to take more responsibility for the wellbeing of young footballers, particularly those who are released after maybe years in the academies from a very young age.

The first stage of his study is the petition at the following link. Would be very grateful if you could have a look and if you agree please sign the petition.

https://www.change.org/p/premier-league ... my-players

(Please note that the online petition is hosted by change.org and sometimes it will ask if you want to donate £1, this is not required so please tick no)

The next stage of his work will be to write an article on the topic and he will be interviewing people from across football. If you are involved or have been involved with football academies and would be happy to give your thoughts please let me know and I will arrange for him to get in touch.

Mods - Hope this is Ok, but please remove if not.

[ClaretTony]

Mods - Hope this is Ok, but please remove if not.

It is OK and I've signed it.

[1968claret]

Great, thanks Tony.

[ClaretTony]

There was a young lad released by Man City recently who took his own life. There was a lad at Burnley a few years ago who was released at the end of his scholarship and he really struggled to deal with it.

Man City might well have offered him as much support as they could but I know the lad who left us got no support or help whatsoever. The fallout is very high as it has always been but the young kids now are put under pressure too much I think by clubs. For those who are released and need help, it is something that needs to improve.

[1968claret]

Agree Tony. I know when I coached Junior Football some clubs would trawl the teams get loads of young kids to join the academy. They wouldn’t be able to continue playing for their local teams, missing out on years of just playing football for enjoyment, then getting released.
Basically for the clubs it is worth it. They might take in a hundred kids and if only one makes it they will be happy. But what about those other 99!