Disrupting pay-to-play youth soccer system
Suggested by JD Jami Dansingburg over 3 years ago
Participating at any level of travel soccer costs money. The higher the level, the greater the cost. Scholarship opportunities are typically offered only when a quality player has an outstanding financial need and knows someone at the club. There is no system, outside of Major League Soccer, which allows for the ongoing growth and engagement of players without personal connections.
Major League Soccer has had a major impact on the boys' side of the game because each franchise is required to offer a no-cost youth academy. With 29-teams spread across 17-states, these opportunities are increasingly accessible. Because clubs also own player contracts and have financial incentives to include Homegrown players on their rosters, the USMNT now reflects the systemic impact a league can have on eliminating the economic barriers to a level playing field.
The National Women's Soccer League does not require youth academies, let alone no-cost ones. The league, not the club own contracts. There is no incentive for developing girls' through their own academies. The league only has 12-current clubs with an additional 3 planned for 2024 expansion.
MLS has proven that eliminating the economic barrier to participation in higher level programs is effective in the systemic growth of the game in this country. The women's pro USL Super League will launch in 2024 to address the issues which prevent clubs from being able to take advantage of financial incentives for girls' player development. The club will own player contracts, not the league. They will compete on the international calendar season and allow players access to the transfer windows.
By creating a scholarship system, in conjunction with sponsors and NIL, we can build a similar solution for supporting player development opportunities from youth to the pros outside of any one league.