There are only two American MLS teams without teams in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy league, and both of those clubs have plans to join the system soon. So with the introduction ofprofessional clubs to a youth structure that had been around for years, would there be backlash? How would the professional teams do against established clubs?
Goal.com’s JR Eskilson speaks with the directors of several MLS youth programs, including Brian Crookham, Colorado Rapids, who says, “We are different in that playerdevelopment is paramount and winning will be a by product of development, not the opposite.” Oscar Pareja, FC Dallas’ Director of Player Development, says, “Theprofessional clubs should set the highest standards in soccer here in USA.”
“In order to be able to produce world class players, y
I think it’s great for kids and parents who happen to be close enough and good enough to make the U.S. SDAL but there are players out there that are as good who’s parents either can not financially afford these academiesor have to drive for hours or relocate to give there kids this great opportunity. This seems to dictate that unless your parents are very well off orare willing to relocate, it will be extremely difficult to get the recognition as a top teen player in the US. I realize that there are talent scouts that actively keep an eye out for talented players but they can only cover a small amount of players nation wide.
I think it’s great for kids and parents who happen to be close enough and good enough to make the U.S. SDAL but there are players out there that are as good who’s parents either can not financially afford these academiesor have to drive for hours or relocate to give there kids this great opportunity. This seems to dictate that unless your parents are very well off orare willing to relocate, it will be extremely difficult to get the recognition as a top teen player in the US. I realize that there are talent scouts that actively keep an eye out for talented players but they can only cover a small amount of players nation wide.
I think it’s great for kids and parents who happen to be close enough and good enough to make the U.S. SDAL but there are players out there that are as good who’s parents either can not financially afford these academiesor have to drive for hours or relocate to give there kids this great opportunity. This seems to dictate that unless your parents are very well off orare willing to relocate, it will be extremely difficult to get the recognition as a top teen player in the US. I realize that there are talent scouts that actively keep an eye out for talented players but they can only cover a small amount of players nation wide.