Rangers Under-19s recently took part in the Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup in Germany and the Light Blues should look to follow that model to aid their youth development programme.
The Gers were involved in the small-sided, indoor tournament with some of Europe’s biggest clubs with fans tuning in in their droves to watch online.

Graeme Murty
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The format is one that takes players out of their comfort zone and tests them in a different environment – usually with bumper crowds watching.
While there have been huge strides taken by the youth department in recent years, there is always room to improve.

Craig Mulholland, Graeme Murty and their staff have done a fantastic job preparing youngsters for the step into the first-team.
Zak Rudden and Serge Atakayi
(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
But, looking at ways to improve the players’ technical ability is something the club can’t sleep on.

Small-sided games and Futsal are common-place for clubs around the world now and Rangers should follow their lead.
With weather often an issue in Scotland, holding indoor competitions would be a fantastic opportunity for players.
Anything which can improve our players should be under serious consideration.
Some of the world’s top clubs will undoubtedly want to take part and challenge our best youngsters.

Star Sixes
Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)
The small-sided game also puts much more emphasis on technical skill instead of simply being about physicality.
Just imagine the Hydro full of fans as Rangers, Celtic and the cream of European youth sides face off.
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