One perennial issue for aspiring players at that age is the competing commitments and priorities. Youths have to think about their families, their own education, their ambitions outside of football, as well as financial concerns.
The simple fact is that youngsters in the SPL2 are not paid much, said the SPL footballer who declined to be named. Aside from their other commitments, money could be a reason they call time on their footballing careers, he said.
Agreeing, Mr Rai said youths need to be able to see the SPL as a way to ascend to greater heights.
“They must see that there’s a pathway for them to go into the SPL to develop, go and play senior football, make a good living, a good wage, and maybe even use the league as a stepping stone to other competitions across Asia,” added Mr Rai.
Beyond structure, others pointed to a more fundamental concern: footballing quality.
Earlier this year, FAS announced a series of changes as part of “ongoing efforts” to “raise the overall standard” of the SPL while supporting long-term national team objectives.
