KingsbayYHPE

Here's one I haven't often thought of before, and can't remember being discussed in here.

We always go for Scouting, we like it when a scouted youngster makes it as an International, but the question is...how many youngsters that have been produced by your youth academy do you have playing long-term for your team?

Let's make there a qualifying period of 9 years into your save, before that and it's a case of desperation, and that's how many years I'm in mine.

I currently have a Welsh DMC, brought up through the youth academy who has 11 Caps and 3 Goals for Wales, is 20 years old and came through as a 15y/o, and is a regular in the first team squad.

Struck me as being unusual.

retired_lizthibert

Youth Academy? What's that??

I only hope that after 9 seasons I am no longer languishing in the ECS!

retired_kswansonwoolf

In my FM05 Welsh save I had to rely heavily on the youth academy products. A real standout was a good-all-around MC that i gave a chance to when he was 19. He got his first full cap at 20. Not bad for a player who didn't cost me a penny.

In an earlier save though, I had a 15yo striker come through the ranks. Debut with a brace at 17, he was still scoring goals for me when he hit 30 years of age.

retired_tinkfaeree

Interesting question, Ian. My 2006 game isn't that old, so I can't comment yet, but in 2005 I always paid very much attention to bringing my own players into the first team. Only rarely there were players though that became first team regulars, since they usually left the moment they became good enough.

retired_sofialong

I've got a 19 year old striker who came up through my youth academy, he's played for England U-19s and is a regular for the first team, when he's not on treatment table...

I've had a couple of other players who were on the verge of becoming regulars, but bigger clubs came in for them before they could really establish themselves.

retired_mrsjb

I'll let you know in about 6 months Ian, if I have to wait for 9 seasons.

I have a 17yo SC in my first team squad (he's on the "cup team" and backup) who came through the ranks (academy? yeah right ), and I'm expecting to call up an MRC very soon (once I shift the overpaid incumbent). I also have a DRC doing quite nicely in the U-20s who may be ready by the end of the season.

So my youth team has been very successful, given those three are about all that have come through (I have a few others in that side, but scouts found them for me and tbh none has looked like making the step up yet).

retired_frogchickie

One of the things I have enjoyed most is developing the TNS youth academy. For the World Cup in 2022, about a quarter of the Welsh squad will have originally come from TNS.

Headed by this little star:

1

2

3

:cool:

KingsbayYHPE

That's interesting, Ollie and TC, that's been my experience too.

As soon as they become age to play they either expect first team football immediately, and leave, or they attract the attention of bigger Clubs...and leave

I just turned down Man City so I'll keep an eye on Welshie, if I'm not sacked, we're very, very near the bottom of the EPL :o

retired_frogchickie

Mine tended to stay for 2 seasons max before they became unhappy. I think the only chance you have of any longer is if they have your club as a favoured club.

and probably high loyalty / low ambition.

retired_tinkfaeree

so Ian, what about backup players? I usually have a couple of them who came from my youth team and get some experience that way.