18 May 2009Football survey focuses on youth development

Football Clubs News | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

A football survey from the EPFL Information and Mediation Unit has indicated that the training and education of young footballers is necessary to safeguard the sport's long-term prospects.

The football survey looked into 22 European leagues, with one of the key issues analysed being the association between clubs and players in these countries.

Broken down, the survey delved into the legal and regulatory framework around players and their first contracts with a professional club, alongside details on training contracts, trial procedures and private academies.

It is hoped that the survey will enable clubs to understand the best practices in recruiting, training and education, while ensuring that the protection of youth is improved in football.

Meanwhile, a Football Fans Census survey of over 3,000 supporters in 2007 found that 59 per cent of fans thought that the English national team was struggling as clubs brought in foreign players rather than giving more opportunity to domestic talent.

Furthermore, 56 per cent voted in favour of a quota system which, if introduced, would ensure clubs included a certain number of home-grown players in their teams.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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