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Not so simple. Dare you to watch this video from last year. Two teams from Dallas (one MLS Next and on ECNL). Tell me if you see any real difference.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nRjEvJp-HGw For the uninformed this is a rare event that only occurs at top tournaments like Dallas Cup. |
Is he stating truth or fiction? |
Yes yes yes, there are some decent players in ECNL, EDP, NAL etc However, if you're short on recruiting manpower and time and want the most bang for your buck, it makes complete sense to focus mainly on kids at MLS clubs academies. They have been scrubbed and vetted by the professional club. |
| Well but they miss a ton - if your son is 6’5” at U13 head on over to your nearest MLS Next shop. I’m sure you will find interest. But in the rest of world, it’s players of all shapes… |
Lots of shapes on my kids MLSNext team |
This is a stereotype not based on actual real facts. Also, being 6'5" at U13 doesn't mean you're not also a good player in addition to your size. |
Watched several MLS Next games the past 2 years. Both the MLS Club Academies and the MLS Next teams seem to have a good mix of sizes |
We had a 6 ft 3 kid at U13 on our team, nice kid, HUGE, but he could have been really great if he had worked on his foot skills. I couldn't believe he wasn't working on the side like all the other kids to get better foot skills and he was constantly making mistakes that often cost us own goals, etc. Was so frustrating. I have seen kids on other teams, similar size (seem to have gone through puberty before they leave lower school, it happens), that just take off in speed, strength, and foot skills. |
6'3" at U13 has experienced exceptional accelerated growth spurts in a short time and is expected to have coordination and mechanical issues. |
| America=Bigger, Faster, Stronger and Cannot Play |
For the most part yes. Knew one kid from ODP - who made it to regional camps (entry point for National Team). Lost info about his progress thence. The trick is getting the speed of play in a ‘lower’ league. |