Jumanji. I believe one aspect you are lost on is the fact that this venture isn't about merely the opportunity. As you alluded and all of us are aware including US Soccer, there are plenty of collegiate and professional opportunities.
Key word - "Development" in the program name.
US Soccer acknowledges the current status & successes within the affiliates structure. Yet they experienced the effects of the limitations as well. See MLS - World Cup 2006. US Soccer's focus with this program is on improving the level of play. They studied and feel these ages are mistreated in the current structure to the detriment of international and domestic professional play.
So Yes this doesn't change the wheel necessarily, but maybe the engine will work faster and therefore US Soccer on the highest level will perform better.
That's what US Soccer wants and they are positioned to try to directly make an impact instead of waiting on the affiliates. Is there some corporate motivation in there? Sure. But in America the two go hand and hand.
