THE old chestnut of travel-time restrictions of Island youngsters possibly travelling to professional football clubs is raising its controversial head again.

The announcement this week that St Ouen and St Clement football clubs are to be linked with Leeds United is undoubtedly great news in terms of player and coaches’ development.

But would Premier League and Football Association guidelines be broken if a talented player went away for trials? The waters are clouded for sure, despite previous efforts to clear them.

Five years ago the same issues were being aired and representatives from the FA, the Premier League and the Football League met with Island parents, coaches, club representatives and football scouts to clarify the situation for Jersey youngsters hoping to join professional clubs.

An open meeting also took place at Fort Regent with the visiting officials saying Jersey should forge links with their closest clubs – Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth.

Jersey Football Development officer Brian Oliver said: ‘Links with professional clubs are very important in raising standards in playing and coaching and they provide a player pathway.

‘The Jersey Football Association’s football development wishes to support any initiative that can achieve this.

‘Being affiliated to the FA means that approval for professional clubs coming into the Island to extend their academies needs to be given by the FA Premier League and Football League and the JFA are currently working with these bodies to clarify our position.

JFA president Ricky Weir said: ‘It’s not the 70-mile radius that could be the problem but the 90-minute travelling time.

Yes, there is an argument that many football clubs can be reached by flight and travel time and it is open to varying interpretation.

‘For the benefit of all the JFA will be seeking further clarification.

We encourage all development initiatives and although the 90-minute ruling may be seen as restrictive it has been put in place to protect young children.’ Peter Vincenti, who is at the helm of the St Ouen, St Clement and Leeds link-up together with Jersey resident and Leeds scout Charlie Daze, said: ‘This set up is to strengthen local football long term for the possibility of joining UEFA.

If cream rises to the top then fine – but only Graeme Le Saux has made to the top in recent years so this shows how difficult it is to become a top player.’