SFA revises youth development plan after club opposition

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 09:01 · Archive

Scottish FA chief football officer Craig Mulholland is revising his youth development blueprint after at least three Premiership clubs raised concerns.

Craig Mulholland, the Scottish FA's chief football officer, is revising his youth development plan after facing resistance from at least three Premiership clubs at recent meetings. The original proposal, pitched at a summit at St Andrews, aimed to increase game time for young Scottish players.

The plan required clubs to play Under 21 players for an average of 60 minutes per game. It also stipulated that two U21 players should start all Scottish Cup and Premier Sports Cup matches, with one remaining on the pitch at all times. Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell allocated £1 million to clubs willing to participate.

Following club feedback, Mulholland is considering modifications including raising the age limit from Under 21s to Under 23s and reviewing the financial incentives. The plan requires an 11-1 majority vote from Premiership clubs to proceed. Mulholland, the former Rangers academy chief appointed earlier this year, has said he is open to suggestions from concerned clubs and remains committed to finding a solution. He stated: 'I'm not naive. It might not be pushed through, but we will work as hard as we can to do something because the young Scottish players deserve it.'

How it is being reported

• 'SFA forced to rethink youth football plans' - gossipScottish FA chief executive Craig Mulholland is reportedly forced to rethink his youth football plans, while Dundee's Ethan Hamilton is not swayed by Aberdeen interest.BBC Scotland · 26 Oct, 08:30
• Craig Mulholland 'changing' SFA youth development plan as club concerns throw vote success into doubtThe Scottish FA's chief football officer is back to the drawing board with at least three Premiership clubs unlikely to vote for original ideasDaily Record · 25 Oct, 09:53

In this story: Craig Mulholland · Scottish FA · Ian Maxwell · Rangers · St Andrews

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