Today's washington post looks at the tug of war between MLS' Academies and High School soccer for elite players. Each kid should make the choice that is best for him. But for those that want to play at the highest pro levels, that will increasingly mean forgoing High School and College soccer programs in favor of developing in a professional stadium. US Soccer is making progress toward developing players as it is done in the rest of the world.
The movement pits those who believe training with elite clubs is the best route for developing international-caliber players against others who say the trend could undermine a uniquely American tradition in which the best athletes compete alongside their classmates for their high school teams.