Left Field

Noting that was started to be discussed in another thread that was coming to an end, i think this is worthy of its own slot and would be interested in people's views. The local FA are helping to start up an u19 league. The prev u18 league has not worked because it has followed the same old pattern - arranging games on a sunday morning when most players re feeling a bit off colour, catching up with rest or working. This new approach is looking at holding games on higher level pitches ( which there is funding for) to hire a pitch and put some funds back into many clubs. The games could be played on a monday night, under floodies, and will not impact with other training or poss commitments. This means that players who finish their youth 'career' and are making the step from youth to adult football can do so in a controlled and productive manner. It is a given that some players will step straight into a men's team whereas others will spend time on the bench before getting their opportunity. These players will still be getting exposure to football by also playing in the U19 league, developing all the time. The big issue the county has to face will be should this league work and attract good players (look at the countries who di dwell in the recent WC and see how developed their post youth system is), when a team reaches the max age - they could move as a group into the league system. But - should a team who may be quite technical / light on their feet etc start at the very bottom or should we look at making an entry point into the league system somewhere else??? If we want to keep the status quo, and do what we have always done - we will get what we have always got. If we are really interested in taking talented youth teams on for a few years more, say to U21 eventually, would their development - and ostensibly our county / country's be better served with matching their potential with the right springboard?? The current u19s that Truro have are apparently mostly lads that played in the youth system but then had no where to go once the natural steps were taken away. All Truro are now doing is what many more successful clubs around the county have done for years is to ensure an exit route for their home grown players. I think they call this grass roots football…………!

Maybe all is not lost…. have heard by a very long grapevine tonight that an U19s side has been set up and will play in the new U19 league in Cornwall. well done lads - at least the real Truro City can celebrate its 125 year anniversary alongside their youth set-up. Looks like someone is thinking about the future for young players around the area and not just trying to get a quick buck! ~savetrurocity~

Desperately trying to be objective and happy for true Truro fans to put me right, but if the decision to pull the reserves was a financial one to enable funding to be directed towards the firsts and the ladies ( which makes sense), why wasn't Robin allowed to take the team, the players and staff, and all the costs associated with them and use another pitch? No expense, no pitch damage and Truro still would have a reserves. Is there another- more personal reason- for not only pulling the reserves, but to also prohibit them continuing? Strange........

#savetrurocity

No reserves wanted. No youth teams wanted. Concerning times. Not my idea of a club for the community. Still, at least the land is sold............................

Excellent point. Unsure how planners etc can allow the massive expansion of the city in terms of properties and populous, and not comprehend the overall impact on demand. If you think in supermarket terms - there were a few mini-markets in the city centre and Tesco on pydar, but over the years we have had to build more and more to accommodate the people ( have you seen Eastern Green at Penzance recently?). I hear that Threemilestone pitch is no longer usable, so where on earth are people meant to enjoy recreational sport etc? I suppose we are lucky we are not facing an obesity and diabetes epidemic…………….