Relentlessly ambitious and commercialized professional clubs recruit thousands of boys into intensive, four‑times‑a‑week training from the age of eight. Their development is of great importance for the clubs as well as their stakeholders. But why is this happening? Is it economically viable to invest in the training of young home-grown athletes, while time is pressing for good results?

“Always hated the away goal rule, kills so many games” Gary Lineker supported a year ago, unable to tolerate the knockout of Manchester City from AS Monaco after they drew 6-6 on aggregate in the last-16 phase of the UEFA Champions League. Many fans across...