Replying To liam500:  "Lads - was this rule ever passed?

I see that Kerry had a 16 year old girl playing inter county at the weekend? Is it different rules for the ladies?"

Replying To Whammo86:  "Whammy, from my own experience I know it is very true. If you starve young players of games they will fill in their time playing other sports, maybe even at adult level. The drudgery of physical training drills, often completely unsuitable for developing teens is far more harmful, physically and mentally, than playing games.

neverright (Roscommon) - Posts:208 - 14/05/2016 11:52:00 1854845

I agree with this post.

I disagree with your previous post where you say that an under 17 wouldn't get targeted playing adult football. I'd love to live in a world where that is true but it's not. There are some absolute dirtbags play our games and if they can get an edge and a young fella gets injured they couldn't care less. There are even bitter twisted fools who'd go out of their way to do a good up and coming player. Their mentality is that if a guy comes onto the pitch it's all fair game. Something needs to be in place to protect these young players and I wouldn't trust club managers so I'm happy for this rule to be in place.

It does seem that in a lot of counties juvenile players aren't catered for with enough games at their. That is terrible. Kids should be playing at their age group pretty much once a week every week from March to September.

That's not going to cause burnout, it's just going to give kids loads of football. They should then only be training once a week. I agree burnout is more about over training than too many matches.

I really like this Celtic challenge hurling getting more young players regular weekly matches. They're only allowed one training session a week.

I'd like in Ulster for them to do a mini version of it at u13 and u15. Get 3 Antrim teams, 2 Derry, 2 Down and then teams from all the other counties. Try to get teams playing 7 or 8 matches.

Something similar in other weak hurling areas would be good. Keep guys in the game.

Sounds like county boards need to get better underage competitions across the country.

To be honest I think u13 should be played 9 a side at club level anyway. Going up to 11 a side at u15 and 13 and 15 a side from u17 up. Get young players getting more touches per game. Getting them learning the game incrementally.

You go to 9 and 11 a side it's easier for teams to field. Big clubs can field more teams and there's just more football for everyone."

Replying To keeper7:  "In theory, it's a good rule but, like all rules, there are exceptions. Amalgamating with a neighbouring club for minor league & championship is one possible solution."

Replying To Damothedub:  "Theres a massive difference between senior and adult football at least in Dublin anyways there are hundreds of kids well developed and capable of playing in adult football and hurling , however few would be up to championship (senior) football different animal altogether.
Teams that struggle to field would be smaller clubs and not in senior championship , no issue with lads playing at that level and if it keeps a club afloat"