The “Private Academies” are Evil Debate!

  It’s been 6 years since I last felt strongly enough to blog anything football related. During this time my work situation has changed markedly, from being a full-time pro club employee (Lead Phase Coach YDP) to Head of Coaching (part-time) at a private academy. The private academy debate has always stirred up extreme emotions for some reason and I’ve read a number of posts over the years, mostly negative, but not been in a position to speak with any insight or real conviction either way. Now that has changed I thought I’d share my thoughts, not to change anyone’s mind (most people are so entrenched that they won’t change regardless of the argument) but just to offer an example of what happens in our environment. I stress, this is my current working environment and I’m not saying that we are any better or worse than anyone else. What’s in a name?  The word comes from the Academy in ancient Greece , which derives from the Athenian hero , Akademos . Outside the city walls of At...