and I'm not saying this is bad for the kids at all, but kids who can really play in other countries are in youth academies and developing while getting their education (this is getting a little better in the US). The collegiate model is great for education but not for truly competitive soccer, gone are the days that we see the best soccer players in the US go to college to play.

and I get that this isn't a thread about pro-development. I'm all for doing what is best for your kids. My kids love soccer.

my 11 year old has been on a very good AA team the past couple seasons with no turnover, this year a couple guys from La Rocca and Celtic approached nearly every parent at some point to come join their club. we lost our best player, which he should be playing more competitively, however, we also lost several other boys to B and C level club teams. It's crazy that the parents of the kids that moved to the C level teams are the most vocal about how great their son is now and the move. For them it will be a lot of money for little return, but......I just hope the kids find a good team to stick with and grow together for more than a season.