So many thoughts...
Quick answer is "Yes they should be integrated" (actually there's an argument that they are supposed to be if you are to go by FIFA's regulations). Will they ever? I doubt it, it shakes too much the established power structure here. The argument that Academies are there for...
Now, but that doesn't mean they don't get something out of it.
Last time my son was there, the WNT was preparing for games against Japan. So, Herdman coached the boys to mimick aspects of them. I remember my son was told to pressure high and fast and take away all time on the ball from CBs...
Many times.
When my son was U14 they (SU BCPL) played TWU a few times and beat them.
At U16, boy's BCPL teams have played WNT many times and crushed them.
Before the WCup, BCSA invited a few BCPL players (from multiple teams) to train with and play against the WNT (maybe the idea was that would...
Food for thought:
Should we take seriously an invitation with a (higher) price tag attached that the parents may not afford or are not willing to bear?
Does a 14- year old have any say in the matter, since he/she has to rely on parents for transportation and payment of fees?
Isn't it possible...