I understand the question, and it's nowhere near that simple.
1) Some academies are completely subsidized. Some are not.
2) Academies offer "tuition support" in cases of demonstrable need. Kids in SC United are encouraged to apply.
3) There will be exceptions allowing certain Academies' kids to play high school. SC United applied for (but did not receive) an exemption.
4) Nobody is told they can't play high school. The choice remains: Play high school for four months free, and supplement with pay-to-play club activities, OR play Academy (whatever it costs) for 10 months a year.
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Personally, I advocate compromise, with this proviso. For a handful of "elite" kids, especially upperclassmen, high school soccer is NOT an appropriate developmental venue. Fun? Yes. Good leadership training? Arguably. High school soccer can be a GREAT experience. But almost certainly NOT a developmental venue. Why? Because the training and competitive environments are not adequate to promote development, once a kid reaches a certain age.
