On 25th January 2006 Leeds United Supporters Trust sent a letter to the Football Association about our concerns about Chelsea poaching two young players from the Leeds United Academy. The trust's full letter sent to the FA can be read below.

For the attention of Simon Johnson
Director Corporate Affairs Division
The Football Association
25 Soho Square
LONDON
W1D 4FA

CM/DJW 25 January 2006

Dear Mr Johnson

We note that the F.A. website section dealing with Elite Player Development says in its opening paragraph: "As well as maximising footballing opportunities for all, The Football Association plays a lead role in encouraging, promoting and nurturing the talented players of tomorrow".

The recent Press revelations concerning Chelsea's offer of cash inducements to three of the under-16 Academy players at Leeds United offers further evidence that the "leading role" you are so concerned to take is being seriously challenged. This in an area that is of key concern not only to the members of the Leeds United Supporters Trust but also to all supporters of the professional game who regard the development of 'home grown' talent at their clubs as a crucial aspect in their supporting enjoyment.

As supporters of a club that has over many, many years provided both Leeds and England with a rich array of talent at all levels of the game, we deplore the apparent ease with which certain clubs, seemingly incapable of developing their own young stars for the future, are able to turn the heads of talented young boys and their parents with the wave of a cheque book. We are particularly concerned by the motives of such clubs as Chelsea: we suspect that the relative cheapness of securing the services of the best young players in the country in this manner is a ploy to ensure that these players do not become available to their nearest Premiership rivals in the future. The Football Association surely has an interest in preserving a level playing field so far as the nurturing of young footballers is concerned. A game in which a few leading clubs stockpile young talent at the expense of less wealthy clubs would not be a healthy game.

We ask you to consider the impact to a football league club that does not have the financial resources of a club such as Chelsea. Clubs like Leeds United spend a great deal of their revenue on Academies which they are encouraged to provide by the F.A. If, when after some three or four years with them - "promoting, encouraging and nurturing" – the best players are then lured away to the likes of Chelsea without suitable and commensurate compensation then surely there is little sound business reason for them to continue to provide Academy facilities. It hardly needs pointing out that the future success of the English national team depends upon clubs at all levels of the game investing precious resources in young players.

Leeds United, both on and off the field, is making positive efforts to nurture tomorrow's talent. Having a productive Academy is a major factor in this process. Accordingly, we would ask that you put in place rigorous procedures to protect not only the young players in question but also to protect those clubs that spend so much time, money and effort on developing the country's future talent.

Yours sincerely
JOHN CAVE
Vice Chair – Leeds United Supporters Trust