Would this work ???

[Onneravineet]

Picking up from a thread on the other board

There was an idea to restrict a teams players to those raised within a 50 mile radius of the ground. Obviously not possible!
This got me thinking.

Would this work?
I'm not saying we replace the current set up.
Stoke City FC is obviously a business and operates at a much higher level with a proud history since 1863. It is about money now not local pride! Originally it was nothing to do with money, just football!

What I'm saying is that we are all Stoke fans due to our past and the fact that we are either from the area or have an affection for the team for some personal reason.

My idea is that each team in our division had an amature team as well.

THE RULES WOULD BE:

All players fielded would have to be from the area or with a proven link to the area through immediate family. But they would represent and play for Stoke City FC Amatures.

Each team would have an amature management and coaching set up.

No player or manager/coach would be allowed to get paid.

The only financial assistance the Club could offer the team would be in equipment, treatment, travel and facilities.

It really would be a level playing field with people playing for local pride and bragging rights not money!
Lets face it we don't go to watch for the money (or the football sometimes).

After the first year teams could get promoted or relegated into different divisions than there parent club.

With our local football 'lads and dads' and none league set up I think we'd fare pretty well!

I for one would go to see the games.

[bettyswallocks]

Even the club would not pay for equipment or travel etc if there is not a chance of making a financial profit. There would not be any advertising opportunity would there? Unfortunately in 1862/3 when the Football Association formed away from that of the rugby side the game was still about money then. Factory owners owned the teams and often people would play for nothing until players were spotted from other teams and offered money to play. Think it was Preston NE the first team to pay for players. So its all about money, thus the reason why the club would not support it.
Unless uncle peter wants some training for tone