Tagged: Youth Football

Why can’t the United States develop a male soccer star? | Football | The Guardian

Why can’t the United States develop a male soccer star? | Football | The Guardian

Seems like a lot of time in this article was spent on the issue of compensation for youth clubs as a way to address the pay to play system which can reduce the number of talented youngsters available outside those in MLS academies. That’s understandable but ultimately the major factor is a cohesive plan for youth development with high schools, youth clubs and  MLS Academies all partaking. Yes, the solidarity and training fees may help youth club’s expand opportunities for youngsters who otherwise couldn’t afford it and try to improve their operations and quality. It would help but it wouldn’t necessarily amount to a drastic improvement in the amount of talent produced in different levels of US Soccer.

From Germany to Brazil (via England): which country has the best talent coming through? | Football | The Guardian

From Germany to Brazil (via England): which country has the best talent coming through? | Football | The Guardian.

Very interesting to see. France’s group looks the strongest as they are the ones with the least worries defensively. Kurt Zouma and Laporte in the future? Wow.

Barcelona must address difficulties with youth – ESPN FC

Barcelona must address difficulties with youth – ESPN FC.

Definitely not a good step for Barcelona with Barcelona B going down. The production line from La Masia needs to continue especially with a lot of stars aging right now.

Chelsea’s UEFA Youth League triumph brings development debate into focus writes Gabriele Marcotti – ESPN FC

Chelsea’s UEFA Youth League triumph brings development debate into focus writes Gabriele Marcotti – ESPN FC.

I think many would agree with most things in the article, though the last paragraph seen below, is really interesting.

“The bottom line is that obtaining success at youth level is often a function of money and size, as it is at senior level. It’s also by no means a guarantee that it will lead to a stream of homegrown players populating the senior team.”

The key word in that sentence is “often” as the author isn’t saying that being a big club with money is the only way to develop a successful youth program but it is the most effective. We do have numerous examples of smaller clubs, eg. Southampton and, despite their history, Ajax, and plenty others consistently producing good players.

We’ve all read about the former prodigies who had unlucky injuries, fell by the wayside etc. which shows that success at youth level is down to an element of luck as well.