U.S. Youth Soccer Through an Outside Lens

In the wake of the World Cup, a recent piece in The Guardian takes a hard look at American youth soccer: a system that is expensive, fragmented and, the writer argues, overdue for reform.

The cost problem is concentrated in one place. Recreational soccer is generally affordable, and pro academies and most high school teams are generally free. The pressure falls on the middle tier, travel soccer, which can cost anywhere from the low four figures to the low five figures a year. That is often the level where college and professional scouts are watching. Travel soccer does offer competitive games and a social experience, but the piece suggests reform could cut down the miles. Time spent in cars and on planes doesn't make players better.

The article also points to changes underway. U.S. Soccer is integrating with US Youth Soccer, and the new National 1 League combines overlapping competitions, which could make local matchups easier.

The bigger question, the writer argues, is whether the soccer community keeps youth development a priority after the World Cup headlines fade.

Full credit to The Guardian for the original reporting: read the article here