Examining the state of MLS's youth development, Part 1

Heading into Year 4 of Major League Soccer's Homegrown Player Initiative, we are starting to see real signs of progress. Here's part 1 of my look at the state of youth development in MLS.

4 months ago Jeremiah Oshan 5 comments 0 recs |

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Flame away

I know that there are quite a few people that hate the college system, but it is, for the most part, what the HG program is currently…and I think forever. The pres of the Whitecaps saying growing the talent is way the rest of the world does it, is sort of correct, but mostly wrong.

In almost all Olympic sports, and all American pro sports, which soccer is both, college devel. is a huge part of how they get good/weed out talent, etc.
In addition, the rest of the world doesn’t have the option of a good college farm system.

by Charles J on Feb 10, 2012 12:09 PM PST reply actions

which part are we supposed to flame?

Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, MLS editor SB Nation. Follow me on Twitter. You'll Never Yacht Alone.

by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 10, 2012 2:42 PM PST up reply actions

College soccer

I actually think that college soccer is the path, and the rest of the world will have trouble keeping up with the growth of US production of players…and if enough money enters soccer in the US, not just the growth but overall production.
But even when I don’t say something that bold, just complimenting college soccer usually gets you knocked around a bit.

ps. waited a few days to respond, so I don’t cause a hijacking of your great article with a rediculous arguement over college soccer.

by Charles J on Feb 13, 2012 10:55 AM PST up reply actions