Quote from: W.A.G. Lover on March 06, 2024, 03:31:14 PMQuote from: clarshack on March 06, 2024, 02:39:41 PMHeard Cookstown had 60 players at a senior/reserve team meeting for the start of this season so they could easily be looking at a 3rds team with those numbers and that's even before their current youth numbers start to filter through to adult level.
The difference in numbers between rural and town clubs at present is shocking, and will only get worse with these ever increasing youth numbers. Stricter planning regulations are now inhibiting rural clubs as they are relying on farm dwelling or replacement dwellings, with no new developments. Not that many recognise the Parish rule in its current format, but it is something that may need reviewed if rural clubs are to compete again in the future.
Rural clubs struggling for sure and others larger villages and towns benefiting. Loads of teams have 50 plus players at underage. Others rely on younger players just to field.