IMG academy for soccer

[Anonymous]

To add to my previous comment... yes there were rich families who sent their kids there too. Some of the players were very good, likely because they had been getting private training from a very young age. And some of the kids were spoiled and entitled, and not very good players, but their parents were paying.

[Anonymous]

last thing to add... even if you play in college, 99.99% of college players end up playing in amateur / adult leagues.

Of the ones who are lucky enough to receive a check for playing, 60% of THOSE players will do it for 1 or 2 years before joining amateur / adult leagues and making a living.

In other countries, the leagues are set up so you become a pro between 17-20 and that's your career. from 17-20 you are training with full professional adult athletes every day, almost year round, who make a living by playing soccer and who are battling to either keep their starting spot or to fight for one.

College soccer is fine for playing a sport at a high level. But unless you already are extremely gifted, making a living by playing soccer in the US is just a fantasy. Let your kids enjoy the sport, play at a high level, and reach their goals, then they can take that to other aspects of life, and they will have a sport to play and be a fan of throughout their lifetime too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:last thing to add... even if you play in college, 99.99% of college players end up playing in amateur / adult leagues.

Of the ones who are lucky enough to receive a check for playing, 60% of THOSE players will do it for 1 or 2 years before joining amateur / adult leagues and making a living.

In other countries, the leagues are set up so you become a pro between 17-20 and that's your career. from 17-20 you are training with full professional adult athletes every day, almost year round, who make a living by playing soccer and who are battling to either keep their starting spot or to fight for one.

College soccer is fine for playing a sport at a high level. But unless you already are extremely gifted, making a living by playing soccer in the US is just a fantasy. Let your kids enjoy the sport, play at a high level, and reach their goals, then they can take that to other aspects of life, and they will have a sport to play and be a fan of throughout their lifetime too.

Good advice. My son's coach played USL for a long time. Career minor league guy, but really has good insight for the boys. It's about grades first and soccer second. If you're good enough then the chances will come, but you have to have a backup plan.

[Anonymous]

Move to Europe. Go to school there. Easier and cheaper in the long run.