I don't want to overwhelm the soccer discussion with education discussions, but Chico is correct. The problems and solutions of the education debate are extremely complex. Also, government and bureaucracy mare NOT the answers; however, educators could make many appropriate changes if allowed to run the schools. Now back to soccer.

I believe sports in general and soccer specifically are wonderful for young people, especially females. And I also concur that it is a community/society issue that is much bigger than schools. I have recently taught a college soccer player from England who is baffled by the American connection between school and sport that simply isn't in England. Club soccer is a community dynamic that could offer great benefits to young athletes; as a result, high school soccer would benefit greatly as well.

Two issues need to be addressed. (1) HSL should act now on all issues that would level the playing field (those issues are throughout this message board so I won't reharsh). (2) Clubs can take the initiative to broaden access to club soccer while also promoting to the wider community how these clubs are key resources for that community's children.