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Yeovil are the latest side to axe their youth setup due to the cost.
A string of clubs have made the decision to disband their youth schemes since the controversial Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) was forced through by the Premier League just 18 months ago, with the top flight withholding funding until the deal was done.
The EPPP deal means clubs will receive transfer fees for youngsters that are a fraction of their previous levels, leaving many clubs to wonder if their schemes are worthwhile.
In Yeovil's case they had already ditched their under 9's to under 16's last summer, keeping only their under 18 side this season. Yeovil fansite Ciderspace notes that the last player to play for the first team that graduated from the side was five years ago, and manager Gary Johnson will now target 18-21 year olds released by other clubs.
Elsewhere, Lincoln's youth setup is again under threat. The Imps have struggled to maintain it financially since the last of their Football League funding was cut last summer, and the scheme is now reported to have a £50,000 funding gap with the senior side not prepared to finance it.
