Funny old game this academy lark and I think that many of us are slightly at crossed-purposes as to what the real aim/benefit of these set-ups is.
I had always assumed that these things were for us to conduct "overseas Platt Lane" operations, ie we would scout the overseas playing resources and invite the best to come and train/sign as a junior player for the various representative teams run out of the academy.
I'm sure there is an element to that and that there is an "elite" level within the overseas academy....HOWEVER....the real every day purpose of these places is that kids whose parents are rich enough, pay to send their kids along to what is, in effect, a soccer school where they can benefit from a high level of coaching and good facilities.
In effect the main aim (as I see it) is to raise the profile of the club within that local market by creating bonds with kids who pass through the schools and go on to follow City/spread the word.
The revenues these places raise would be negligible in the grand scheme of things but I'd imagine that the agreements with the local partners are such that the club is insulated from making any significant losses.
The side benefit is that you may be better placed to spot a star....but, just by looking at the market in question here (India) tells you that sourcing future first team stars really is not even remotely one of the main aims.
Here in Egypt both Arsenal and Barcelona have these "local academies" and it's no surprise that both teams are heavily supported amongst the locals....especially the younger ones.
So, I'm all for it but I don't ever expect to see even a fringe first team player to come out of either our UAE set-up or this new Indian one.
This is what Arsenal and Barcelona have done here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/footbal ... 169965.stmhttp://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/ ... 10203.htmlAnd I can see us starting to do these in the not too distant future too...
http://www.manutdsoccerschools.com/
Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 7:02 pm