This is fascinating but is it surprising? Soccer is a wealth driven product in this country. We don’t have kids playing in the streets, in parks, and on playgrounds unless they are fully sanctioned by their club (to which their parents have paid fees). While I admit that is a broad generalization, it rings with truth. In Europe, South America, and Africa, kids play for fun AND because they see soccer as a way to earn a living, a way to put food on the table. In the US, kids might see soccer as a way to go to college, but they don’t worry about it paying the bills. I’ll be the first to admit I’d like all my players to play club, and for the most part it isn’t a problem financially. But I often ask myself if I personally or coaches in general are doing enough to help kids play who can’t afford to play the game.

Thanks for the stats.