Reply to Realistically, what’s the latest a kid can make the move to an MLS Next/ECNL team?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]is there an unwritten rule on older players being “too old” to begin playing for an elite team MlS Next/ECNL/USL or MLS Academy type team? If so, what is that age? I’ve heard very few players making that jump after u16, but have you seen or known anyone who has? Why would high level teams hold open if sessions if they didn’t plan on inviting players to join? What’s your take an experience on this? [/quote]

Theoretically, a kid can join a high tier team at any time.  Realistically, the problem is that those teams already have strong players.  So your kid has to be significantly better to replace a player that has similar skills that the club/coach already knows.  That is why playing for a lower team at a club with a top team does give you an advantage because they get to know him over time and are able to watch his development.  High performing lower team players are often asked to practice with the top team or join them for a game or two if they have injuries.

In addition, although your kid may grow into a better player against lower competition, existing players have been tested and have played against that stronger competition.  Therefore, over time of playing top teams, the top players get even better.

The easiest way to get into the system is to join one of these teams at U11 or U12 or join the next lower team at that age at that club.  If you don't get on the top team at that time, you might get lucky at the later ages when players start playing only one position and that exact position opens up because an existing player left the team or is long term injured.[/quote]

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