[ritchiebaby]

It was no surprise to me either, 0762, but there are other factors that should be taken into consideration, but unsurprisingly haven't. It's not all about money, but wealth does give the better schools an advantage.

In my experience of playing and coaching various sports, part of the problem is that the discipline involved in say, working hard to improve your performance or even something as simple as pride in wearing a uniform, was readily learned by those who had already been taught that at school. When I was involved at my local athletics club, at least a third of the parents used us as a "baby-sitting" service. They weren't interested and their kids weren't interested. In general, all children do have equal opportunities when they start their education, but some do well and some don't and it's more to do with attitude and parental support than anything else.

By the time our elite sportspeople gain their sponsorships they will have completed their primary education and I suspect many will have completed their secondary education. Sponsorship is given to those who show great promise in their chosen sport and self-discipline and commitment is already part of their mentality.