There is no “minor leagues” for soccer studs in the US. Young players dont face the same competition in college and are better off playing overseas where they are engaged in a more professional game.

If I’m in a position to play in a big-time league in a country that drools over soccer… what are my choices? Its a no brainer to chase the money and head to Europe. If I stay domestic, I’ll get to play with 40-year olds in the MLS. Oh the joy!

mols is probably one of the top 2-3 development leagues in thr world. it’s these guys loss they choose to chase the big money as kids and go overseas. just ask robbie rogers who came back from holland and improved in mls- europe is not what it is made out to be.

I’ve seen 8 and 9 year old kids that take to formal instruction and have a passion for practicing on their own, but with so many out their, who is combing the parks and passing out invitations?

My 2 year old knows left foot from right foot, follows his shot, drags his toe on throw ins… is he a prodigy (the chances are not high) but he does this all on his own. A few years from now, will I need to send him to a soccer camp in England and therefore circulate his name on an enrollment roster before a coach (from Bradenton or elsewhere) pays us a visit?

The hope of brokering a lucrative deal for my son will be the impetus to attend UM law and complete the trifecta.

Also, if MLS would step up, negotiate a viable and reasonable CBA and give teams incentives to not only set up academies, but move those players through the system we’d be better off. Red Bull has tried a full academy with USL Super Y, USSF Development Academy and USL Super 20 teams. but ran into trouble with MLS’ odd rules.

If the CBA changes, MLS can help the cause as well.

Look at Freddy Adu… he played MLS at a young age and for starters lacked the size necessary to do anything productive. While speed does kill, so does getting a “bump” and falling flat on your face whining for a foul.

Great for our young US players to get signed internationally and learn in perhaps a better (more competitive) environment. But at the end of the day… Bradenton could be on the verge of uselessness.

This is soccer, and unlike hockey or football with their infinite numer of “plays,” soccer is executed on-the-fly. Yes there are plays for set pieces and throw-ins, etc, but not to the extend of other sports.

What does Bradenton provide? Some “better coaching,” than youth soccer… perhaps?

Also, remember the last time MLS teams signed a 14-15 year old to play with adults? How did that workout? Fact is, MLS can’t afford to sign youngsters that young…….quite yet, they can only afford to splurge on players that will contribute NOW. Not until every team has a full academy like Vancouver, unfortunately the NCAA is the biggest obstacle. They don’t allow full-residency academies.

Anyway, in some peoples eyes MLS will never be legit no matter what they do. Anyway, it’s not going to happen overnight. They’re finally getting an academy system and graduating them to the senior team. Mainly, Chivas USA (Ironic?)………who has 3 of them on their roster. They’re basically tapping the southern california latino player pool, which as everyone said……..is full of overlooked players.

Anyway, in 10 years all MLS teams should have euopean style academies and rendering bradenton moot and the young players will be able to get just as good as environment as they would in Europe or Latin America.