Junior Champions League

Sean_RedDevil · 23rd June 2011, 01:09

Quote:

Manchester City will face Barcelona in the headline fixture of a Champions League-style tournament for Under 19s this season.

Liverpool, Tottenham and Aston Villa are also in the tournament, dubbed the NextGen Series, which will consist of 16 clubs in four groups. City have also been paired with Celtic and Marseille.

After England’s disappointing first-round exit from the Under 21 European Championship, the competition is seen as the ideal platform to improve the quality of opposition for younger players and give them valuable experience of an elite competition.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are waiting to come in next season, along with Ajax.

The inaugural line-up has been determined by invitation and recommendation, influenced by the quality of each club’s academy. There is one more place to be confirmed.

NextGen is the brainchild of former Watford academy manager Mark Warburton and will pit some of the best young sides in Europe against each other home and away in a tournament that will start in August with the knockout stages in January.

Sportsmail revealed how the project was being formulated last year when Manchester City played Ajax in a friendly in Amsterdam. City are considered to be major players in the development of this tournament as they increase their profile around the world.

All the fixtures are yet to be finalised but it is understood that Villa are in a group with Norway’s Rosenborg and Fenerbahce of Turkey, and City and Barcelona will face Celtic and Marseille.

The top two teams in each group will go forward to a finals competition. TV rights are being negotiated and the finals could be staged in Abu Dhabi.

Warburton, a former professional footballer who established the Harefield Academy and helped Watford become the first English professional club to combine full-time academic learning and football, pioneered the competition to help prepare promising young players for top-level football.

He is now sporting director at League One club Brentford, and said: ‘Apart from the exceptional few who jump straight to the first team, many promising young players graduating from academies were not provided with enough consistent high-quality football challenges.’

Although the costs will be high, clubs have jumped at the idea as they look to improve the quality of players graduating from their academies and, crucially, tempt top young players from other clubs with the chance of playing in Europe.

Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs to have raised concerns about the level of investment in their academies and how it has failed to correlate with the end product.

Now they hope this can help bridge the gap in the development of young stars.

It is expected that the competition will grow as more heavyweight clubs rush to join in. The early European Cup, launched in 1955-56, also started as a relatively small competition and then mushroomed.

That`s a great idea!!!!!

Snow · 23rd June 2011, 01:54

What is this? 4 teams from England :S
Basel is spelled wrong

This seems random

Sean_RedDevil · 23rd June 2011, 01:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snow

Basel is spelled wrong

Their name is FC Basle in England

Snow · 23rd June 2011, 02:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean_RedDevil

Their name is FC Basle in England

Well I don't even ...

Richter · 23rd June 2011, 02:49

No United,Real or Milan....

Sean_RedDevil · 23rd June 2011, 02:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richter

No United,Real or Milan....

We`ve the FA-Youth Cup but not the league.

jeston · 23rd June 2011, 02:53

Called the NextGen League I think.. City have pulled out of the reserve league to focus on this too.. Not sure if the others will (have?) so I imagine everyone of their 20-22/3 year olds not good enough for the first team will go on loan..

Scrumpet · 23rd June 2011, 02:55

Quote:

The inaugural line-up has been determined by invitation and recommendation, influenced by the quality of each club’s academy.

What does that even mean?

Anyway seems a decent idea.

Hitchcocker · 23rd June 2011, 04:01

Why do England get four spots and Spain/Italy/Germany one?

misterredmist · 24th June 2011, 11:39

I heard about this on Talk Spurt , the creator of the competition IIRC was a youth oach from darn sarf - seems like a fine idea, will be interesting to see what happens in practice and if the tournament flourishes or dies out....

I notice Ole's team are in it......

MPTutd · 24th June 2011, 11:49

Why not just ask each team in the real CL to play a game between their youth teams the day before the main game?

Sean_RedDevil · 24th June 2011, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPTutd

Why not just ask each team in the real CL to play a game between their youth teams the day before the main game?

Good idea too.

But then this teams aren`t the best teams from the country.

Twigginater · 24th June 2011, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPTutd

Why not just ask each team in the real CL to play a game between their youth teams the day before the main game?

Because then, what if say Man Citys proper team get knocked out in the CL group, but man citys elite squad win the under 19s group.

davisjw · 24th June 2011, 14:45

Love this idea. One of those ones where you smack your head and think "Why didn't they do this 20 years ago!"

The reason for a disproportionate number of country representation is this is the first time this has happened so they just want enough teams to justify the tournament. Probably was a first come, first served type invitation.

The likes of Real are probably waiting to see if this whole thing pans out or is a disaster. Looks like we want in and Ajax - fully support it. It'll help get our lads used to Europe and playing in hostile environments, plus the travel, etc. Love it!

R_Kelly · 24th June 2011, 14:53

They won't play often enough, players of that level need to be playing every week to aid their development.

Sean_RedDevil · 1st July 2011, 15:00

Group A
FC Barcelona
Manchester City
Celtic
Marseille

Group B
Liverpool
Sporting Lisbon
Wolfsburg
Molde

Group C
Inter Milan
PSV Eindhoven
Tottenham
FC Basle

Group D
Ajax
Rosenborg
Aston Villa
Fenerbahce

Dumbstar · 1st July 2011, 21:04

Are Sporting Lisbon the club that produce the likes of Nani, Ronaldo, etc, or is that Porto?

RedKaos · 1st July 2011, 21:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dumpstar

Are Sporting Lisbon the club that produce the likes of Nani, Ronaldo, etc, or is that Porto?

Ronaldo and Nani are Lisbon, Anderson is Porto.

Mickey · 1st July 2011, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dumpstar

Are Sporting Lisbon the club that produce the likes of Nani, Ronaldo, etc, or is that Porto?

Do you struggle to remember teams we signed players from? Serious question not a pee take.

Sean_RedDevil · 1st July 2011, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey

Do you struggle to remember teams we signed players from? Serious question not a pee take.

Dion · 1st July 2011, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedKaos

Ronaldo and Nani are Lisbon, Anderson is Porto.

Wasn't Anderson Gremio?

Sean_RedDevil · 1st July 2011, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dion

Wasn't Anderson Gremio?

Gremio -> FC Porto -> Manchester United

Mickey · 1st July 2011, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean_RedDevil

Is this a whoosh moment?

Sean_RedDevil · 1st July 2011, 23:05

Dumpstar is a Liverpool fan

Mickey · 1st July 2011, 23:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean_RedDevil

Dumpstar is a Liverpool fan

As i said in the other thread, fair enough

Snow · 1st July 2011, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by davisjw

Love this idea. One of those ones where you smack your head and think "Why didn't they do this 20 years ago!"

The reason for a disproportionate number of country representation is this is the first time this has happened so they just want enough teams to justify the tournament. Probably was a first come, first served type invitation.

The likes of Real are probably waiting to see if this whole thing pans out or is a disaster. Looks like we want in and Ajax - fully support it. It'll help get our lads used to Europe and playing in hostile environments, plus the travel, etc. Love it!

Well, for one thing it costs a lot of money. I can't imagine Molde having a lot of money for this. My guess is that the boys there put of funds themselves in order to play.

When Stephen Ireland was playing for the U-19 and U-21 in Ireland he had to pay for the trips himself and schedule everything. Not long since he played there.

RedLars · 2nd July 2011, 00:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snow

Well, for one thing it costs a lot of money. I can't imagine Molde having a lot of money for this. My guess is that the boys there put of funds themselves in order to play.

You don't think OGS could've gotten some Røkke-money earmarked for the juniors? Otherwise you're probably right though, it seems a little ambitious compared to the norm of what's usually invested in junior teams here in Norway. I'd imagine RBK will be able to afford it though.

Edit: Anyways, exciting initiatives. If they keep it going, it'll be interesting to see how the qualifiers are done.

Snow · 2nd July 2011, 01:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedLars

You don't think OGS could've gotten some Røkke-money earmarked for the juniors? Otherwise you're probably right though, it seems a little ambitious compared to the norm of what's usually invested in junior teams here in Norway. I'd imagine RBK will be able to afford it though.

Edit: Anyways, exciting initiatives. If they keep it going, it'll be interesting to see how the qualifiers are done.

I don't know who Moldes backers are but we're looking at at least three trips abroad for youngster under the age of 19. I imagine Rosenborg are in a similar situation, as are Basel. But since they are participating they must have some backers.

For Icelandic teams they rely much on winning their first European games so that it covers their travel expenses. There's only about 3 clubs that have some money in Iceland. One because it has lots of wealthy owners (one who used to own a bank), one gets a ridiculous deal from Reykjavik and one whom has raised great youngsters and sold them to AZ, Reading and got 10% of that Gylfi Sigurdsson money to Hoffenheim. They however are wise in their spending.

If a smaller team would win the cup they really couldn't afford to participate in Europa League. And I imagine for a 17-18 year old in a Norwegian team isn't exactly flowing with money. I've seen Molde's training situation, dressing rooms and etc. Asides from the actual stadium Icelandic team have better facilities than them if they are situated in Reykjavik.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 2nd July 2011, 07:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean_RedDevil

That`s a great idea!!!!!

Yes

Chirag · 2nd July 2011, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean_RedDevil

We`ve the FA-Youth Cup but not the league.

All the teams here have won their countries Reserve youth leagues? I think not..

It just seems strange to leave out the likes Of Ajax, United, Arsenal, Milan etc

Sky1981 · 2nd July 2011, 13:35

Because we've had most of our youngster needed in the first team.

i'm sure if we really put our youngster on loan and Rafael, Fabio, Welbeck, Macheda etc we will walk it, or at least mount a serious assault on it.

SharkyMcShark · 2nd July 2011, 13:36

Its for under 18s isn't it? Hence Rafael/Fabio and all that wouldn't feature

SharkyMcShark · 2nd July 2011, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chirag

All the teams here have won their countries Reserve youth leagues? I think not..

It just seems strange to leave out the likes Of Ajax, United, Arsenal, Milan etc

Ajax are in it (They were the yet to be determined team mentioned in the OP)

Chirag · 2nd July 2011, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharkyMcShark

Ajax are in it (They were the yet to be determined team mentioned in the OP)

Any reason as to why there are 4 English teams and only 1 from every other country? Except Holland and Norway each of whom have 2..

SharkyMcShark · 2nd July 2011, 13:59

Not a clue mate.

maniak · 19th July 2011, 16:44

Does this have a website?

Raees · 16th August 2011, 17:58

Quote:

Spoiler

Tomorrows first fixture for Liverpool can be caught free on LFC TV, if anyones interested. All the Groups and Fixtures are available within the spoiler.

maniak · 16th August 2011, 19:31

Has UEFA anything to do with this? Just curious...

It would be a great way to increase people´s interest in the portuguese u-19 league and i´m sure the same would happen in most countries. It would benefit youth football dramatically.

Sean_RedDevil · 18th August 2011, 01:36

Marseille 1-0 Celtic
Liverpool 0-3 Sporting Lisbon
Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 Aston Villa
Basel 2-2 Tottenham

The NexGen Series*-*Fixtures, Results & Tables

CLK_FPC · 18th August 2011, 12:03

Watched the Liverpool game, were getting out played but should have pulled it back at 2-0 as the spunked away so many chances but alas they didn't take them and Sporting got a third.

First goal was well worked, cheeky backheel through ball and the Txeiera (sp) rolls the ball past the Liverpool keeper

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23rd June 2011, 01:54	#2 (permalink)
Snow First Team Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: I like turtles Posts: 12,319	What is this? 4 teams from England :S Basel is spelled wrong This seems random

23rd June 2011, 02:49	#5 (permalink)
Richter Hairy big footed Swede Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 29,198	No United,Real or Milan....

23rd June 2011, 02:53	#7 (permalink)
jeston Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 3,596	Called the NextGen League I think.. City have pulled out of the reserve league to focus on this too.. Not sure if the others will (have?) so I imagine everyone of their 20-22/3 year olds not good enough for the first team will go on loan..

23rd June 2011, 04:01	#9 (permalink)
Hitchcocker Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Limbo Posts: 4,594	Why do England get four spots and Spain/Italy/Germany one?

24th June 2011, 11:39	#10 (permalink)
misterredmist Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baguley Posts: 1,689	I heard about this on Talk Spurt , the creator of the competition IIRC was a youth oach from darn sarf - seems like a fine idea, will be interesting to see what happens in practice and if the tournament flourishes or dies out.... I notice Ole's team are in it......

24th June 2011, 11:49	#11 (permalink)
MPTutd Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: London Posts: 3,963	Why not just ask each team in the real CL to play a game between their youth teams the day before the main game?

24th June 2011, 14:45	#14 (permalink)
davisjw Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 4,867	Love this idea. One of those ones where you smack your head and think "Why didn't they do this 20 years ago!" The reason for a disproportionate number of country representation is this is the first time this has happened so they just want enough teams to justify the tournament. Probably was a first come, first served type invitation. The likes of Real are probably waiting to see if this whole thing pans out or is a disaster. Looks like we want in and Ajax - fully support it. It'll help get our lads used to Europe and playing in hostile environments, plus the travel, etc. Love it!

24th June 2011, 14:53	#15 (permalink)
R_Kelly No Lifer Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: How do you expect to run with the wolves come night, when you spend all day sparring with the puppies? Posts: 38,660	They won't play often enough, players of that level need to be playing every week to aid their development.

1st July 2011, 15:00	#16 (permalink)
Sean_RedDevil Twitter bot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Birmingham + Londinium Posts: 9,977	Group A FC Barcelona Manchester City Celtic Marseille Group B Liverpool Sporting Lisbon Wolfsburg Molde Group C Inter Milan PSV Eindhoven Tottenham FC Basle Group D Ajax Rosenborg Aston Villa Fenerbahce

1st July 2011, 21:04	#17 (permalink)
Dumbstar First Team Sub Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Going nowhere Posts: 6,422	Are Sporting Lisbon the club that produce the likes of Nani, Ronaldo, etc, or is that Porto?

1st July 2011, 23:05	#24 (permalink)
Sean_RedDevil Twitter bot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Birmingham + Londinium Posts: 9,977	Dumpstar is a Liverpool fan

2nd July 2011, 13:35	#31 (permalink)
Sky1981 Fending Off the Urge Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Liverpool Football Club : One of the greatest football club... in the PAST. Posts: 7,680	Because we've had most of our youngster needed in the first team. i'm sure if we really put our youngster on loan and Rafael, Fabio, Welbeck, Macheda etc we will walk it, or at least mount a serious assault on it.

2nd July 2011, 13:36	#32 (permalink)
SharkyMcShark First Team Regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: Using location as a tagline: because I'm just not cool enough to have my own. Posts: 18,588	Its for under 18s isn't it? Hence Rafael/Fabio and all that wouldn't feature

2nd July 2011, 13:59	#35 (permalink)
SharkyMcShark First Team Regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: Using location as a tagline: because I'm just not cool enough to have my own. Posts: 18,588	Not a clue mate.

19th July 2011, 16:44	#36 (permalink)
maniak Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Arsenal Posts: 2,198	Does this have a website?

16th August 2011, 19:31	#38 (permalink)
maniak Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Arsenal Posts: 2,198	Has UEFA anything to do with this? Just curious... It would be a great way to increase people´s interest in the portuguese u-19 league and i´m sure the same would happen in most countries. It would benefit youth football dramatically.

18th August 2011, 01:36	#39 (permalink)
Sean_RedDevil Twitter bot Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Birmingham + Londinium Posts: 9,977	Marseille 1-0 Celtic Liverpool 0-3 Sporting Lisbon Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 Aston Villa Basel 2-2 Tottenham The NexGen Series-Fixtures, Results & Tables

18th August 2011, 12:03	#40 (permalink)
CLK_FPC First Team Sub Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: ★I Be That Pretty Motherfucker...☆ Posts: 7,405	Watched the Liverpool game, were getting out played but should have pulled it back at 2-0 as the spunked away so many chances but alas they didn't take them and Sporting got a third. First goal was well worked, cheeky backheel through ball and the Txeiera (sp) rolls the ball past the Liverpool keeper