The youth soccer system in the United States is rotting because of “arrogant” parents, according to Eastern New York Youth Soccer’s coaching director.
- The USMNT youth pipeline is imperfect
- Children who stay in the United States often stagnate
- “Arrogance”, a big problem
WHAT HAPPENED? USMNT star Gio Reyna’s family scandal – in which an investigation revealed inappropriate and controlling actions by his parents towards American football when he was a young player – was a very public example of America’s worst youth system. According to Tim Bradbury, director of coaching for the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, it’s a pervasive problem at all levels.
Bradbury advocates for young coaches to have appropriate training and licensing, but experienced parents think they know better, which, coupled with pay-to-play, leads to inequity. negatively influences the development of youth football.
WHAT THEY SAID: “One of the things that has always baffled me about the United States is the arrogance and absolute belief of many young sports parents that they have been ordained experts in a chosen sport after watching certain games,” he said. -he writes in a column for Football in the front row.
He added: “A few clubs and communities have, of course, taken the opportunity to call me and tell me how wrong we are to suggest that every player of travel age deserves a qualified coach.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: While there have been recent success stories of players who stayed in the United States as minors and ended up attending MLS academies, many other kids have left the sport or stagnated due to poor leadership .
IN TWO PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT? Because youth soccer’s problems reflect broader concerns in the United States that extend to other sports such as AAU Culture in Basketballit will be difficult to improve the pathway for young children to develop as soccer players in a safe, fun and affordable environment.
