With Charter schools being easier and easier to establish, I am shocked that more MLS teams are not creating satelite academies (ex; mini academy schools in far reaching areas across the united states. Under most Charter school regulations the State would pay for all of the educational needs, (which by the way, after nearly 20 years in education, I can see distance learning and online classes replacing almost all staff in such a charter school), and the MLS team would just have to support the athletic side. It is a very small, low risk investment. It would create talent (each team academy has first rights to contact etc.)and a fan base across the united states for each team, as well as spur on local community teams to step up their game. This could grab young talent before they are corrupted by football, basketball in high schools that typically don't care about soccer programs. I live right on the border and the talent is amazing but there is no investment in the youth in that direction. These don't have to be huge sprawling facilities, there are so many free and city supported amenities that it could be done very cheaply. I really think Academies are where U.S. soccer needs to place its attention.

Congrats to Tim and the Chargers!