Compensation for Women’s Clubs Developing Young Players: Bristol City Coach Lauren Smith Makes the Case
Women’s football has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more young players joining the sport. However, there is still a lack of recognition for the clubs that develop these young players. This is something that Bristol City coach Lauren Smith is looking to change, as she believes that women’s clubs should be compensated for developing young players.
The Women’s Super League champions are not obliged to pay City for developing Aspin, who came through the Robins’ academy after joining the club at 14. The defender, 18, will be loaned back to City for the 2023-24 season.
Premier League and English Football League regulations stipulate that a club signing an out-of-contract player under the age of 24 is obliged to pay compensation to the former club for its training and development of the player, but that rule does not apply in the women’s game. Aspin has chosen to sign her first professional contract with Chelsea, whose general manager Paul Green has described her as “the best young centre-back of her age in the country”.
Smith said: “It’s disappointing that there isn’t a sustainable model in place to ensure that clubs like us, that are proud to develop and support youth players, are supported and compensated in these situations.”
Why Women’s Clubs Should Be Compensated
Smith brought Aspin into Bristol City’s first team at 16 and she missed the start of last season with a bone infection and sepsis before recovering to help the club return to the top flight. However, she did add that “this is an exciting move for Brooke and we’re really pleased to be able to have her back on loan”.
The fact that there is no compensation for women’s clubs developing young players is a major issue that needs to be addressed. Clubs put in a lot of time and effort into developing these players, and they should be rewarded for their hard work. Without compensation, clubs may be less likely to invest in youth development, which would be a huge loss for the sport.
Compensation would also help to ensure that clubs are able to continue to develop young players in the future. It would provide them with the financial resources they need to continue their work, and it would also help to create a more sustainable model for youth development.
Chelsea Manager Emma Hayes on Brooke Aspin
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said: “Brooke is a player that we have been tracking for the last three years. She has extensive experience for her age and is a young centre-back that we have very high hopes for in the future.”
Hayes’ comments show just how highly Aspin is regarded in the game. She has already achieved so much at such a young age, and it is clear that she has a bright future ahead of her.
Conclusion
It is clear that women’s clubs should be compensated for developing young players. Without compensation, clubs may be less likely to invest in youth development, which would be a huge loss for the sport. Compensation would also help to ensure that clubs are able to continue to develop young players in the future. It is time for the authorities to recognise the importance of women’s clubs and put a system in place to ensure they are rewarded for their hard work.