How hard is it for Channel Island players to become professionals?

"We've got good talent over here, and if our island was attached to the mainland these players would be at academies,"

"The travel, the finance; they're the big barriers. Eventually, children have to make a big decision and families have to make big decisions around whether they leave the island, pursue opportunities in the UK and take education in the UK rather than in Jersey. Our role is to support those children if they are good enough, hopefully give them all the tools to stay on the island and still access those pathways, but eventually they have to make the big decision."

"They've all made those big brave calls and it's paid off for them,"

Guernsey FC and Jersey Bulls provide Channel Island players a route into the English league pyramid, but physical separation creates major obstacles. Successful professionals including Alex Scott, Maya Le Tissier and others moved off-island early to access academies and higher-level clubs. The primary barriers are travel costs and financing, which compel families to decide whether to relocate and pursue education and opportunities in the UK. Island clubs aim to support talented youngsters to remain locally while accessing pathways, but many players ultimately must move to secure professional careers and international recognition.

Read at www.bbc.com