Are there Serious Doubts Regarding Exeter City’s Academy?

Matt Taylor, who is the manager for Exeter City has called upon various professionals to see if it is possible to make some changes to the Elite Player Performance Plan. This ruling looks to be killing a lot of lower-level clubs. The main reason for this is because Academy Players are not actually protected until they reach the age of 16. At this point, they can then receive a full and professional contract. The Grecians have seen a lot of youngsters opt for bigger clubs after they leave the Academy but when they do, they receive absolutely no financial compensation. The overall aim of the EPPP is that it is going to increase the number and even quality of players who are trying to make the step up to the senior level. There is however no evidence to show that this is working because less and less players are now being given the chance to play at a top-level.

Elite Clubs

It’s possible to bet on Exeter City through sports betting sites. It’s not possible to bet on the Academy however as a lot of the players, although talented, are too young to be competing at such a level. Elite clubs are choosing to sign teenagers and they are keeping them in the Academy to “stock” them. This actually stunts their careers and their overall progress as footballers. Exeter’s Academy is the jewel in the crown when you look at the various success stories that have hit the media. This includes Dean Moxey, Ollie Watkins, Matt Grimes and Jordan Storey. All of these players were then sold for huge sums of money after they were able to work their way through the ranks.

The Inside Story

When you look at recent years, you will see that players such as Jay Stansfield and even Ethan Ampadu have been poached before they were able to sign with a pro team. Grecians are offering a fraction of what would be their true financial potential. There are fears that this is going to happen again when you look at the likes of Chelsea and even Liverpool. They look to be sniffing around Ben Crisene who, at the age of 15 became the youngest player in the club. Until these rules and even the laws change then it looks like Exeter City are going to be in a very bad position. People have to be honest here because the team are at a crossroads. They are not going to be getting young players into their first team.

The club cannot protect the young players who come into the Academy because they can’t give them any kind of protection until they reach the age of 16. If they do not sign a contract then the hands of the Academy are tied and other clubs can take the players for what they think they are worth. This is usually a very, very small amount and it is disappointing to say the least. There are other clubs who are in the same situation as well.