RKW

I must admit, I'm surprised that Fifa Manager seems to have stolen a march on FM here. In Fifa Man the academy system goes right down to eleven year olds, whereas in FM you still get a batch of 16 yr olds coming through every year. Fifa's system seems better, as you can identify the best players sooner and groom them for the top

stumostro

But most managers IRL aren't going to be that involved with any players under the age of around 15.

They might make the odd trip to the acadamies etc but they won't have time to take on a hands on approach with players until they start making a name for themselves in the under 18 team.

That is why there are youth coaches that deal with that part of the job and will inform the manager when there is someone worth taking a look at.

SWaRFeGa

Pretty silly really. 70% of people don't continue their games long enough for eleven year olds even to become involved.

Dar2000

Might be worth looking into the possibility of building youth acadamies for the big clubs in future FM versions. Would add great depth and realism to the game.

stumostro

But why would you want to make the database even bigger just to be filled with loads of 11yos who will never make it!

If every premiership club has a team for each age up to 16 they'll have around 22 players for each team, thats an extra 132 players of which 5 will be lucky to make it at the club!

SWaRFeGa

Anyway, who wants to play a game where you have to groom eleven-year-old boys? Not me.

Themistofelis

This is true , FIFA's db is tiny compared with the smallest db of fm .

Mr Ash

What I would like to see is when a new batch of youth come in (aged from 14 to 16) is that a bit of background history is included:

Something like:
"Fred graduated through the Arsenal school system and has represented England etc"

"Harry was recruited from Arsenal Academy in Congo"

"John was recruited from the Watford schools system"

JR866Gunner

i see what you mean i think it does seem quite good to have kids at that age coming through but tbh it doesnt bother me that FM doesnt have it. i seem to remember playing as northampton in the lower leagues quite a good few years in and had a gk at 14 and played him for the 1st team this must have been CM 03/04 or something around that time mayb CM4 neway was weird having a gk that young!

mitja

SI should make new game called FM kindergarten....lol