Even though I stand in opposition to the current FFT development programme I, in no way, am opposed to the kids or teams themsleves. I wish all the lads all the luck in the world and I sincerely do wish and hope they would come home with a national championship or even a report to say that was a damn good Tassie team that went to Nationals this year. I don’t really care what position they finish in just that they have played out of their skins and done themselves (and their mums, dads, clubs, schools) proud.

Unlike SJ, I think the competative nature of the lads playing in the U/19 teams will ensure the State 15s receive a good quality standard of game. In fact a lot of senior coaches will take the opportunity of giving some of their young senior players a bit of match time if a player is coming back from injury or even just to give them a bit of match time in general (sharpen skills, first touch, etc.). It’s not like the clubs are opposed to the State teams…

When quoting the success of other states we must ALWAYS be mindful of the player numbers these states are selecting from. The ACT & SA have VERY STRONG junior participation rates and includes summer comps. The U/15 ACT squad plays in the U/18 Premier (NOT senior men as previously alleged) League (http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/academy/overview.asp?s=suns), in fact I urge our readers to look at other states and associations to see what is being done.

Tassie selects from approx. 30-50 individual players. ACT & SA have 3-4 times that number. Even their culled ‘train-on’ squads are generally larger than our initial trial squads. So although Tassie might do well in some years, statistically we can’t compete ‘consistently’. And to expect them to do so is just unreasonable.

This is why I say FFT should be injecting themselves into the system from around U9 simply so you don’t have to unlearn or reteach.

All power to the State squads. I’m 100% in support of their efforts.

Someone questioned whether the current system was about player development or winning a national title? In regards to the u15’s who came 11th out of 12 last year, I don’t believe that they are going into this year thinking that they are going to be the National Champions. However Individually they all have dreams about being spotted by a scout and they want to do the best they can. If the team does well, then there is more chance that of one or more players reaching their dreams, as Tasmanians will be held in a more positive light.

Evidents seems to be that full time squads work. South Australia won the U14’s and were runners up in U15’s.
ACT came came a very credible 5th in the U14’s and 4th in the under 15’s and like Tassie they are supposed to be traditional easybeats.
Sure the Full Time U14’s last year came 11th but they did not have a great preparation playing in the U17 Roster. Only 4 teams made up the comp including Huonville and Clarence whom this teams regularly beat by between 6 and 10 goals. They were only streched by the Zebras every third week.

This years format, although not perfect, has got to be a vast improvement on last year. The Youth Development Program is a work in progress and no doubt won’t be the same next year. Let’s give these boys support and encouragement, let’s give them competitive practice matches to fine tune their skills. If this team happens to make it into the top 4 of the Nationals then the whole Tasmanian Football community take some credit for their achievement.

I know I am carrying on about the U15’s a bit, as I do have an interest in the squad (and no, I’m not on the staff). But I would also like to emphasise that the same goes for the U14’s. All these Boys work extremely hard and from what I have seen they are motivated, focussed, impressive young men and most of them are loyal Club Members as well. Most these guys are proud of the Clubs they come from and should they not be “discovered”, they can’t wait to get back with their old mates.

FFT can’t decide the best format for 14 turning 15 year old boys to participate in neither can the clubs from the info on here.- what does seem to be evident is that it has to be a southern competition and that the they can’t have anything to do with clubs ( believe this is the coaches and FFT reasoning, apologies if i have interpreted this wrong )

One has to ask the question;
1. Is the State team about developing players or preparation for Nationals ?

Blackjack has given his view numerous occasions - but he is biased against the current proposed FFT program, HE IS A strong supporter of club system , he is no doubt aligned to a club with a strong development program I like others have some symphathy for the clubs who have the volunteer base to run such programs.

The answer to above should assist with the playing requirements of the players in this program.

I did what was suggested and read the previous submitted papers on the blog re the issue and then went to other State Fed web sites to try and find out what they do with State teams ;
It appears that only South Aust and ACT enter teams in comps , both states have had very strong performances at National Champs - FFA web site National Champ results.
None of the others in the main due it appears in respect to distance involved for players to train and and play does not make it feasible , or in NSW clubs refuse it to happen.

Folks i cannot provide a definative answer , but i do believe like others it is time for somebody with authority to make a long term decision provide a pathway for these players ending the continual debate and short term finger in the dyke decisions like this year

Clubs in Tasmania exsist purely to bring young players to the point where they tweek the interest of State/Regional coaches. At this time they hand over any responsibility or club ties or connections so that they can be trained to work as a team so they can make Tasmania look good at National titles.

Can someone please tell me what winning a national title do for football in Tasmania?? Will it provide a better standard in club football (although I would imagine most players will be too good to play in Tasmania)? Will the young players demonstrate a greater commitment to their club? Will the younger player in a club be able to identify with their older clubmates and thus develop that identified ‘hero’ worship?

What will winning a national championship do for football in Tasmania?

Next question? Why can’t they play club of a Saturday??