During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, the United States National Team lost and was not able to advance. Many say it was due to the lack of good players, which can be traced to the expense of youth  soccer programs that eliminate many talented players the means to play.

Other high-tier football countries have amazing, low cost or free youth development programs and also great local club teams. The United States, on the other hand, has a very expensive, high-barrier youth soccer program and has fallen behind as a result. While non competitive recreational teams are usually free, the competitive recreational teams usually only play locally, while travel teams give the kids most exposure are usually very expensive. The lack or interest in high school and colitigante-level reams cause those players to not go pro.

In order to play at the highest level of soccer in the United States. you have to pay a lot of money to stay in the team. Many talented players can’t be recognized due to their financial status and no exposure to great scouts. The teams are very expensive too and mostly don’t play yearly around.They only take up  the spring and fall season. Most of their trips are very expensive as they travel to many states around the US. Only the players with a lot of money are able to qualify for tryouts and even at tryouts most of the players meet the certain standards.

Most clubs from Europe and other countries don’t have a pay-to-play system, they offer spots on their teams and youth program for free or little of charge to any kid with potential. For example to Spain’s La Masía youth academy that offers kids education as well as soccer training.

Players in MLS, the US professional league, are from other countries and rarely spotlight local players. The rosters on most of the teams have players that come from other leagues and have displayed more than the local players. Some of the star players, In the MLS are retired stars that once played in the highest levels of soccer in Europe like Nani and other great players.

Some say these youth programs just don’t have the money and resources needed, but the through is that these clubs have the necessary tools and money to lower the cost and still expose their players to the best talent.

Money isn’t always the solution to having great successful players; it is the development and attention that is put on the players that allows them to perform well. With better youth programs the lack of talent wouldn’t be as great as it once was before as many players will be able to compete in other countries. The clubs and players would have more recognition worldwide. If US soccer would pay more attention to their local players, they would have more success in their World Cup campaigns and more popularity at home.