Elite Soccer

As someone who's been through the college recruiting process and as a coach who works with high school aged athletes that are currently going through the college recruiting process, there are a few fundamental mistakes families make again and again.

In light of poor results at the 2007 U-17 World Cup, the launch of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, and MLS's move into the youth arena, it's time to reassess U.S. Soccer's 9-year-old Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida.

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and, since it is played by so many people, we can safely say that reaching an elite level can very difficult. When a child first starts playing soccer, becoming an elite player is probably not what they initially are, or should be thinking. Building skills, coordination, conditioning, and having fun, should be the main focus for a young soccer player. As players advance and age, tryouts and scouts typically whittle down the numbers of soccer players, picking the best looking kids for division 1 or other elite travel teams or school teams.

Have you ever watched the Little League World Series on television? Ever notice how the players on the teams are almost always much bigger and stronger than the average twelve-year-old and look more like sixteen-year-olds?