To an extent I think these big clubs centres of excellence do not help. The kids get there, get treated like stars, see the money thrown at the first team bench warmers/reserves and think they have already made it. Some of these 14-16 year olds think they are already IT. The coaching is obviously top notch but they would be better served in the boot room, cleaning the toilets, washing kit etc after training. I watched that series on sky a while back with the kids getting a second chance at Chelsea and they pamper these apprentices like they are stars. Considering the size of the place, the pick of the talent etc not that many breaking through into the first team.
The academy here really should be getting a lot of praise not just for the standard of player we are producing but they seem to be pretty balanced individuals too. Bad news on LaCointe probably worse time in his career to lose a season, my mate said it looked bad when it happened hopefully a quick a problem free recovery.