Danone Nations Cup

[Wonderwall]

http://www.danonenationscup.com/

This is an international football competition for ten to twelve year olds (held at Wembley). A good standard of footy for that age group. However this is not what I was raising this for....the winner of the competitions golden boot was a young scouse lad who is with Manchester City's Academy.

At what age are kids allowed to be signed up to an academy and having to be driven by parents across the country? I know its only 45 mins - 1 hr door to door. However, at the Junior club level I have coached at for the last 10 years, you are only allowed to sign a player if they live within a 5 mile radius of the clubs base HQ.

I would imagine Liverpools academy have probably got some Manchester lads in too, I know they scout around my area I see them and everton scouts all the time, more than City/Utd scouts to be honest. Seems to me to be a little bit stupid to have this crossover and we should keep it local until they are at an age to make a decision (15/16 end of secondary school time).

[Wonderwall]

in fact if you watch some of the footage, you will see Raphaël Varane (real Madrids) younger brother playing for France (number 3)