As another season passes by I am once again firmly convinced that Secondary Schools soccer should be played on Wednesdays thus freeing school players to play for Clubs on Saturdays. It is obvious to anyone involved in the game that the welfare and advancement of the players and the beautifull game in New Zealand, would be greatly enhanced by this happening. One only has to look at the recent results of the Premier Secondary Schools Tournament to realise why this should be so. Christchurch Boys High did reasonably well in the latest Tournament. They placed 7th out of 24, principally due to the fact that they had players who are released by the School to play with Club sides on a Saturday at a higher level than the Local Secondary Schools competition can offer. This enables these players the chance to train and play at a higher level. Some playing senior reserves and one, at least, even playing Premier League! They receive training by dedicated and well experienced coaches. Other Christchurch Schools which competed at this tournament did poorly. Shirley Boys high (14th), Burnside Boys High (21st), St. Andrews (24th). These schools in the main do not release players to play with Clubs for Saturday games. At the moment, in the current setup, we are being very negative in the development of our youth players. It is ridiculous that we are holding back the development of our youth! The Super Youth League that the schools first X1 play in, has over the years deteriorated and now plays less games than I believe any other League. This past season only 16 competition games I believe! Players wait a whole off season to play 16 games! It is hardly the way to develop these players and keep them interested and involved in the game! Most Clubs do not enter teams in this League, as their players at age 17-18, are ready and willing to step up and play in the Reserve Senior teams or higher. Sure its hard for them and a learning process, BUT they have the skill to play at this level so why should we hold them back? Look at any of the top Soccer and Football Clubs in the world and it is quite apparent that bringing on youth players enhances the game and opens a wide door of opportunity for them. New Zealand has some excellent youth players developing now and it is time we realised it and assisted them in their development. Federation 6 Soccer now has an ideal setup running under the direction of the Director of Coaching, Fred Simpson, which is greatly increasing the ability and options of our youth players. It is time the Secondary Schools had a good look at themselves and realised that their mission is not only the Academic development of their pupils, but also one of allowing their pupils the chance to succeed in other fields. It is time for a change!!