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?

“I am not racist but there are too many foreigners in youth teams” states Arrigo Sacchi, former Milan and Italy boss. Fans all over the world debate on whether the use of foreign players enhances the performance of the team or not, as it is partially believed that athletes from another country could never fully understand the history and values that each club preserves.