Uumm let me think, join the mob, get paid well, or go pro footballer and get a bit more?
Well done the young uns
Getting a bit more dosh as a pro footballer might be attractive for these young men, but that route is also uncertain and definitely time-limited. In the meanwhile, we could perhaps involve lateral thinking.
Involving these young men in some way with the RN could benefit the Service and also provide a role model for other youngsters.
The RN - and the other Services - already take advantage of high-profile personalities by awarding honorary commissions.
I'm not suggesting in any way that the U17 team are made instant honorary officers, but it does seem that the system appreciates the potential benefit of high-profile people being involved with the Services.
Could there be a way of recognizing these youngsters' success which could be to the advantage of the RN? Inviting the U17 team to play the RN's soccer team? Or invite them to "join up for a day" at Raleigh? Or CTCRM?
Whatever, do so before the Army or the RAF does!
Over to the recruiters. Ninja's thoughts?