The last time I heard anything about it my understanding was that we need a covered pitch, indeed, and a significant number of extra staff. I believe that the higher the category, the more financial assistance there is likely to be from the football authorities (EFL or the FA, or both). No idea where we are with it now but it is a hugely expensive undertaking.
More likely to attract more talented youngsters in my opinion, which the likelihood of producing more good players to sell on for bigger money. Plus we get more from other clubs when they hoover up our youngsters under EPPP. Got a feeling the amount doubles when you move up to cat 2 i believe. And I suppose the required facilities would also be available for 1st team use as well I imagine, which may persuade more players to sig for the first team if they see top quality facilities out at the Cliff Hill?
MOney! BUt it would cost to get there! When clubs come to poach our youngsters e.g. Ethan they would have to pay more under EPPP
My understanding, is you'd theoretically bring through better quality players, you would have better quality opponents and you would be more attractive to academy players that didn't make the grade elsewhere.
Effectively, this is the bottom line. Not only better quality youngsters, but over a much wider catchment area. How many higher category academies are there in this part of the country?
