My understanding is that the clubs currently running Academy Under 18 (SL clubs and Widnes) will have scholarships starting in September.

Featherstone and Sheffield have indicated their intentions to run one and have been given till the 1st September to meet the Academy Under 18 criteria of having the required number of professional players.

The RFL will run a player pathway of Service Area and Regional progammes for players not on scholarship. I also understand Shaun Mellor is in charge in the NW

What about the players from last years 16's team, who were/are signed/signing? Will they be signed as under 21 players? And will they still then be paid on some sort of basis?

Don't think there is such a thing as U21s anymore. U20s at SL level, reserves at champ level.

Well yes, so this years signed 16's will be part of the reserves? So will therefore be paid!

Pitching 16 year olds into the reserves. Thats a bit harsh on the 16 year olds, condsidering they will more than likely playing adults. This is the problem with having no U18s. If I had 50k i would sponsor an U18 Academy team, but i haven't, and neither has the club

the skolarship is going back to how it used to be 8 players just training !!!!! but the other teams play games .but instead of the skolarships players not playing they have chance of playing for regional .