We need to do something and fast. I too have noticed a drop in 12-17s. The match day experience is shocking for everyone but even worse for that age group. The younger kids can go to do the crafts with Pat and Mark (they do a cracking job btw and don't get enough credit). 18+ have the casino. Meanwhile the 12-17s are going up there to watch a very poor standard of football and more often than not they see a crap performance, a demoralising loss & that's it.
It's not even the problem of losing a kid to the London, Liverpool or Manchester clubs either as generally they can't realistically go there every week.
You're 16/17, like football but haven't really been taken to watch the City with your Dad, Grandad or Uncle that often (like countless others they've either given up or don't have the money). You and a mate have got £15 each in your pockets. You can sit on a bus for 40 mins and go to watch the dross at the Ricoh or spend 20 mins on a train and a 15-20 min walk (isn't through any secluded/bad areas) to watch Championship football at Blues.
Now I know things aren't great at St Andrews right now either but at least the football (generally from the opposition) is enjoyable to watch. What would you choose?