Burnley’s imminent application for academy Cat. One status

[jdrobbo]

I think we were granted Cat. Two in Summer ‘17 but now things appear very much geared towards Cat. One. My question though, with the obvious of exception of the fact that our regular opponents at academy level, will be of a much higher standard and this will be an attractive proposition....but how else would such a rise in stature help us as a club in finding raw talent?

[PremierLeagueClass]

We’d be able to enter the Sherpa Van trophy!

[Bosscat]

We’d be able to enter the Sherpa Van trophy!

Thought we didn't like cup competitions

[IanMcL]

Cat 1 evidently produces more players inc prem quality.
They also play each other, so a higher quality opposition.

They also get a lot of parents foisting their kids forward!

[Paul Waine]

...but how else would such a rise in stature help us as a club in finding raw talent?

I'd imagine it will make the club a little more attractive to get one or two more "raw talent" youngsters - though, that's not from any knowledge and experience....

[Chester Perry]

We’d be able to enter the Sherpa Van trophy!

I would hope that we would not do that on moral grounds - the competition has become a sham with the fan boycott regularly seeing clubs setting record low attendance figures

[jdrobbo]

I too wouldn’t want us in that competition

[cricketfieldclarets]

The Sherpa van or whatever it’s called would be brilliant. Young kids playing competitive football against grown men / experienced pros with Wembley at stake. I can’t see any negative about that.

As to what benefit does it give us? Makes us much more appealing, play against better players, ask for more money for players we get shut of or loan out.

Plenty of benefits.

[Hibsclaret]

Apart from the inevitable moaning around not taking it seriously after a defeat.....

[Chester Perry]

The Sherpa van or whatever it’s called would be brilliant. Young kids playing competitive football against grown men / experienced pros with Wembley at stake. I can’t see any negative about that.

You may if we were still at League 1 - 2 Level - forced upon them in a take it or lose solidarity payments style approach and a precursor to the big six and their drive to get B teams into the lower league pyramid, which would mean towns no longer having a league club of their own

[SGr]

Yeah, heard from a good source a while ago that Cat 1 was the ultimate aim. I doubt it'll have anything like the impact the facility upgrades have had, but it'll certainly make us more attractive when picking up those released from juggernauts such as City, Liverpool and United.

[cricketfieldclarets]

You may if we were still at League 1 - 2 Level - forced upon them in a take it or lose solidarity payments style approach and a precursor to the big six and their drive to get B teams into the lower league pyramid, which would mean towns no longer having a league club of their own

But we aren’t. So being a cat 1 prem club there aren’t many disadvantages to being cat 1.

[Chester Perry]

that is a disturbingly selfish attitude - the pyramid requires strong foundations or the whole thing collapses - there are times where you have to think of the game as a whole not just your club - a club that founded the pyramid and has at various times occupied every level of it

[cricketfieldclarets]

Good point. Let’s tell the club not to push on for cat 1. In fact let’s give our place in the premier league up while we are at it. Let someone else have a turn.

[Chester Perry]

Good point. Let’s tell the club not to push on for cat 1. In fact let’s give our place in the premier league up while we are at it. Let someone else have a turn.

nothing like what I said as you well know - I have been an advocate of the academy and Cat 1 - I am all for fair competition and want us to carry on showing what can be achieved by a small club/town against the odds, and that is why I don't want the 20 + Cat 1 academies taking the place of clubs that represent towns across the country

Given your apparent care for others I have seen repeatedly in other posts I find this deliberately provocative stance surprising - even though you like to do that from time to time

[AlargeClaret]

It’s not been the slightest of secrets the academy( and club) have been completely open to every parent and player about the cat 1 application . It’s been a root n branch job with many outgoings and a far more select crop of incomers through the age ranks . Can only benefit the club tbh

[Buxtonclaret]

Cat 1 has to be better at attracting good caliber young players.
Playing against the elite at that level can only improve them
And hopefully an established Cat1 system will be better placed to help develop 1st team players or, fund our youth system with any sales?

[cricketfieldclarets]

nothing like what I said as you well know - I have been an advocate of the academy and Cat 1 - I am all for fair competition and want us to carry on showing what can be achieved by a small club/town against the odds, and that is why I don't want the 20 + Cat 1 academies taking the place of clubs that represent towns across the country

Given your apparent care for others I have seen repeatedly in other posts I find this deliberately provocative stance surprising - even though you like to do that from time to time

i think you have completely misinterpreted anything I said and blown it all out of proportion. God knows why.

[Corky]

i think you have completely misinterpreted anything I said and blown it all out of proportion. God knows why.

I don't think he did. Chester gave you a reasoned thoughtful view, you on the other hand responded like a petulant child.

[ClaretTony]

Yeah, heard from a good source a while ago that Cat 1 was the ultimate aim

It's not speculation or rumour - the club confirmed it some time ago that they were pushing for Cat 1 from the start of next season. Not sure when the audit is but when we moved from Cat 3 to Cat 2 I think it was around March.

[ŽižkovClaret]

We have to be selfish. If "sherpa van" involvement helps bring through the next Dwight McNeil, i'm all for it.

I don't mind supporting lower league local clubs by, for example paying for an Accy or similar to have a Desso pitch in return for our u-23s and/or women's team playing there (i get that Curzon Ashton seems to suit but for me its too far away. Padiham should host our u18s although i get the argument for keeping below u23's behind closed doors)

Football isn't level playing field, and we should not be shy about digging out little footholds where we can

[CrosspoolClarets]

Great news if we get to Level 1. It is a vital part of long term success.

I’m against entering the Checkatrade though - it is a important competition for lower league teams whose fans and players never get cup wins or trips to Wembley. It disrespects them to play kids against them (p.s. also a shame for Shrewsbury to play Liverpool kids in the FA Cup replay when the first team and Klopp are on a beach).

[Caballo]

Does Cat 1 mean we can 'steal' kids from 'lesser' academies?

[cricketfieldclarets]

I don't think he did. Chester gave you a reasoned thoughtful view, you on the other hand responded like a petulant child.

[Stan8]

Strict rules now players have to be bought from u9 upwards starting rate is 3000 per yr with club upto u11/u12 then fees go up the older you get

[Stan8]

Unless they have been let go

[ŽižkovClaret]

Great news if we get to Level 1. It is a vital part of long term success.

I’m against entering the Checkatrade though - it is a important competition for lower league teams whose fans and players never get cup wins or trips to Wembley. It disrespects them to play kids against them (p.s. also a shame for Shrewsbury to play Liverpool kids in the FA Cup replay when the first team and Klopp are on a beach).

Sweep the leg