"My guess is that, over time, we (on the boys' side) will move toward a more European model where professional clubs "adopt" and underwrite the elite youth soccer clubs. We are seeing some of that in the Development Academy now. US Soccer recognizes the hinderance that cost represents in the development of our unrealized potential. The answers are not, unfortunately, easy to come by."
......and the parents of female players will continue to write the check, even at the very top level, since no professional club will have a vested interest in funding development.
But $3,500 isn't all bad when you consider other forms of "entertainment". I've seen parents plunk down $3,500 for a pair of Super Bowl tickets and that only lasts one weekend. You get 52 weeks of joy (and vicarious-living
) when you invest $3,500 in your child's competitive soccer season!
Not a bad investment.....if you can swing it.
