Perry Van Der Beck was the first American player chosen directly from high school in the North American Soccer League draft. 

In 1978, the Tampa Bay Rowdies selected the midfielder from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Missouri, with the 48th overall pick. He became the youngest native-born American to play in the league that same year, at 18.

Nearly a half century later, high school soccer seems like a poor pathway to the pros. But it has its adherents – including Van Der Beck.

They’re doing more than proselytizing. They’ve built a model that pits the best local high school soccer programs against each other. It bridges the gap between public and private, and large and small schools, during regular season play. The goal is to counter the pay-to-play club model, attract high-level players back to their high schools, and add excitement to the sports calendar.

Jim Harte has been involved with soccer for four decades. He’s served at nearly every level: club and Olympic Development Program coach, camp owner, TOPSoccer director, college and high school coach. In 2018 the Tampa Bay Times named him one of the top 50 coaches in Tampa Bay history – of all sports, at all levels.

SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING

Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.

  • Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
  • Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
  • Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
  • Cancel anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in here.

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

Already have an account? Sign in here.