Look, nobody believes you know anything so you might as well not bother with this faux "in-the-know" stuff, it's really boring now. Or if we're all wrong, then prove it by posting something interesting.

PS you have been away - did you forget about you sponsorship pledge?

Good problem to have, in many very obvious ways, but the trouble with beating teams like Wire - who have a top academy set up, and especially doing so convincingly, is that teams who don't put much into finding and developing young players [mentioning no names, but think Huddersfield and you won't be far out..] prick up their ears and start flashing their cheque books [aka 'junior system'].

It's the old old story of life in the lower divisions, in any sport, of course - when young players start getting plenty of publicity, it attracts attention - lord knows, we sometimes found ourselves being 'attracted' a bit in the past.

We can still punch above our weight with the academy lads. The calibre of our staff and the way the players are developed both on the field and off it means we have in the past (and again now) are able to attract players that are targeted by SL clubs.

When it comes to money we might be handicapped but we’re ahead in many other ways. BullBuilder keeps chipping in for those special extras that can make a difference.

Now the club is building better links with Bradford community clubs too we’ll get more Bradford lads in the side which may also help keep them on board. That fits into what the Foundation are doing getting young kids interested in the game too around the city.

Things are starting to come together and there was a real feel good factor at the game at the weekend. I recommend others check out the U19s.

Well put Bullseye.
John Bastian told the BullBuilder AGM that it was important to foster a culture in the academy structure. Young players who felt part of that culture and valued their teammates are less likely to be drawn away. Involving parents in activities helps recruitment and retention.
I am sure O'Brien, Olbison , Mellor and Addy all had opportunities to go elsewhere. And I've been told ( and believe) that many of the two current youth squads were courted by other clubs.
As fans we can do our bit to support them and make them feel valued.

On the subject of Bullbuilder, I understand there was to be a discussion at the AGM as to whether to continue to put all funding into the academy, or to start putting some towards the first team? Out of interest, which way did that discussion go?

I am a member but was unable to attend the AGM, but I am interested what happened with that.

HamsterChops wrote:On the subject of Bullbuilder, I understand there was to be a discussion at the AGM as to whether to continue to put all funding into the academy, or to start putting some towards the first team? Out of interest, which way did that discussion go? I am a member but was unable to attend the AGM, but I am interested what happened with that. No discussion at AGM in regard to the matter above, purpose of Bullbuilder is: BullBuilder is the name of the Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust. Its aims are: To invest in youth players at academy, scholarship & community levels whilst raising their profile To build a conduit between the club and the fans with the understanding that we are not here to run or publicly criticise the club http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/what-we-do/ Over 1900 views interested in Under 19's why not join Bullbuilder to support them: http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/join/ Come on its these young local players we want to help develop. Hope this is helpful and clarifies.

HamsterChops wrote:On the subject of Bullbuilder, I understand there was to be a discussion at the AGM as to whether to continue to put all funding into the academy, or to start putting some towards the first team? Out of interest, which way did that discussion go? I am a member but was unable to attend the AGM, but I am interested what happened with that. No discussion at AGM in regard to the matter above, purpose of Bullbuilder is: BullBuilder is the name of the Bradford Bulls Supporters Trust. Its aims are: To invest in youth players at academy, scholarship & community levels whilst raising their profile To build a conduit between the club and the fans with the understanding that we are not here to run or publicly criticise the club http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/what-we-do/ Over 1900 views interested in Under 19's why not join Bullbuilder to support them: http://www.bullbuilder.co.uk/join/ Come on its these young local players we want to help develop. Hope this is helpful and clarifies.

Thanks, I assume I misread the letter that went out to members? I was sure it said something along those lines. Good to hear the focus will still be on the academy though, I wasn't personally keen on monies going towards anything but the youth level.

I can confirm that there has been discussion of where BullBuilder might assist in the funding of things that might have a 'dual' benefit. For instance some equipment might be used by first teasers but it would be primarily for use by the 16s and 19s.

There may be a knock on effect of some donations. However this doesn't affect the aims of BullBuilder or the work it does.

There was something in the letter about how closer coordination with the foundation would help BullBuilder achieve its aims. This is now happening but as was decided at the AGM there was no need to change what from what BullBuilder has always done.

John Bastian has described BullBuilder as a God-send. The more supporters that join BullBuilder the more help we can provide to the 16s and 19s.

Thanks, I did think I was going a little crazy for a moment!

I'm glad that the direction isn't changing. I've supported Bullbuilder since it's early days and will continue to do so, as I believe in what they're doing and wouldn't want to see it change that. It seems like the people who run it (and have run it in the past) have their heads screwed on though!

Does there need to be a Bullbuilder Stick on here?