Ian Mallon: Why must schoolboys pay big to play elite football?

EXPENSIVE HOBBY: Defender Jack O'Shea wins possession for Douglas Hall as he makes a well-timed tackle on Alex Hennessy, Lakewood Athletic. Pic: Larry Cummins.

NEXT month, more than 400 of the most talented schoolboy footballers will pay up to €400 each, or between €160-190,000 in total, towards the cost of playing in the inaugural U14 National League.

The thrill of representing their local sides will be diluted somewhat for their parents, who will pay an average of €350 — or as high as €400 — to the league club in registration costs and other fees.