U17B National Team

[Unregistered]

Admittedly before you read this, realize that I am not a soccer-buff, but I do appreciate and respect the ability of soccer players to practice their craft.

Although I didn't watch all the games played, I did get to watch the game against Brazil and the one against Turkey. For both games the US was not able to score goals. While not an amazing statistic in soccer, the US team played 1-2 men up during the game against Brazil for 15 minutes and 1 man up in the game against Turkey for almost 30 minutes. What is more, is during that time,when the US had more players, Brazil almost scored 3 or 4 times, and Turkey not only scored, but dominated the final 5-10 minutes of play. Perhaps I am missing a bigger picture, but the US team did not, on the international scene, appear to be anything special.
On a side, the amount of whining and complaining, and number of dives that took place on the Brazilian and Turkish teams was nothing less than excessive and clearly took many minutes away from the clock!!!!

[Unregistered]

Admittedly before you read this, realize that I am not a soccer-buff, but I do appreciate and respect the ability of soccer players to practice their craft.

Although I didn't watch all the games played, I did get to watch the game against Brazil and the one against Turkey. For both games the US was not able to score goals. While not an amazing statistic in soccer, the US team played 1-2 men up during the game against Brazil for 15 minutes and 1 man up in the game against Turkey for almost 30 minutes. What is more, is during that time,when the US had more players, Brazil almost scored 3 or 4 times, and Turkey not only scored, but dominated the final 5-10 minutes of play. Perhaps I am missing a bigger picture, but the US team did not, on the international scene, appear to be anything special.
On a side, the amount of whining and complaining, and number of dives that took place on the Brazilian and Turkish teams was nothing less than excessive and clearly took many minutes away from the clock!!!!

I didn't see the US/Brazil game, but I watched US/Turkey last night. I thought Turkey did a good job of interrupting the flow of play, which was likely one of the team's goals. I actually had to laugh at the number of hamstring "injuries" which appeared to be happening on Turkey's end. For a group of obviously well-conditioned athletes to spend so much time on the ground in "agony" was embarrassing. Hopefully the coach will get feedback on his team's timewasting from enough countries that he'll change strategy.

As to the US, I thought the boys played well. Yes, things got a little chippy at the end. Yes, they obviously need to keep playing against top competition in order to keep improving.Yes, they don't appear to enjoy being knocked around on the field. But I still thought they kept their composure, and played the game as cleanly as they could.

[Unregistered]

I didn't see the US/Brazil game, but I watched US/Turkey last night. I thought Turkey did a good job of interrupting the flow of play, which was likely one of the team's goals. I actually had to laugh at the number of hamstring "injuries" which appeared to be happening on Turkey's end. For a group of obviously well-conditioned athletes to spend so much time on the ground in "agony" was embarrassing. Hopefully the coach will get feedback on his team's timewasting from enough countries that he'll change strategy.

As to the US, I thought the boys played well. Yes, things got a little chippy at the end. Yes, they obviously need to keep playing against top competition in order to keep improving.Yes, they don't appear to enjoy being knocked around on the field. But I still thought they kept their composure, and played the game as cleanly as they could.

the US just does not have the goods

[Unregistered]

I have to laugh at all those that thing the US played well. I know we're not suppose to judge by wins and losses, but these kids are suppose to be the best of the best and they were 1-1-1 for the tournament and only scored 2 goals in the entire tournament, all in their 2-1 win over Korea. They could not take advantage of both Brazil and Turkey being down players. We're suppose to think this is good?

Just as an FYI Landon Donovan won the Golden Ball as best player in the 1999 U17 World Cup. We haven't produced any player like him in over a decade of trying. I certainly haven't seen anyone playing in this tournament that suggest that has changed.

[Unregistered]

I have to laugh at all those that thing the US played well. I know we're not suppose to judge by wins and losses, but these kids are suppose to be the best of the best and they were 1-1-1 for the tournament and only scored 2 goals in the entire tournament, all in their 2-1 win over Korea. They could not take advantage of both Brazil and Turkey being down players. We're suppose to think this is good?

Just as an FYI Landon Donovan won the Golden Ball as best player in the 1999 U17 World Cup. We haven't produced any player like him in over a decade of trying. I certainly haven't seen anyone playing in this tournament that suggest that has changed.

So what? Stop it with the "American exceptionalism" thing. The US is trying to improve its product, not saying it's the best. Sure the team will lose games. So what? Professional teams often don't end up taking advantage of having opponents down a player or two - what makes a group of 15/16/17 boys any different? I'm not saying I thought the soccer was amazing. It wasn't. I just don't see what you get out of smacking your lips happily at the thought that the US team is a bunch of losers, sorry.

[Unregistered]

Found the 4-3-2-1 formation a bit odd. Anyone else?

[Unregistered]

So what? Stop it with the "American exceptionalism" thing. The US is trying to improve its product, not saying it's the best. Sure the team will lose games. So what? Professional teams often don't end up taking advantage of having opponents down a player or two - what makes a group of 15/16/17 boys any different? I'm not saying I thought the soccer was amazing. It wasn't. I just don't see what you get out of smacking your lips happily at the thought that the US team is a bunch of losers, sorry.

Your problem is that you just don't get it. No one is suggesting that the kids are a bunch of losers. The people overseeing youth soccer in this country, well that's another story. We did better producing talent of both genders before soccer became so popular.

[Unregistered]

I have to laugh at all those that thing the US played well. I know we're not suppose to judge by wins and losses, but these kids are suppose to be the best of the best and they were 1-1-1 for the tournament and only scored 2 goals in the entire tournament, all in their 2-1 win over Korea. They could not take advantage of both Brazil and Turkey being down players. We're suppose to think this is good?

Just as an FYI Landon Donovan won the Golden Ball as best player in the 1999 U17 World Cup. We haven't produced any player like him in over a decade of trying. I certainly haven't seen anyone playing in this tournament that suggest that has changed.

So we should be better simply because we're Americans?

Those players from Turkey are all in Academies of professional clubs, and have been since they were 8 or 9 years old, in a professional training environment teaching them the technique and skills they exhibit now. Many of those clubs compete in the Champions League. Their parents were never concerned in the least whether they won a state cup, what division they played in, or how many rankings points their teams received.

How many USA U17 players did you see on the field that were as comfortable on the ball or running at defenders with the ball as their Turkish counterparts?

Until the culture of training our best players gets closer to the way our international competition does it, we will always lag behind.

[Unregistered]

So we should be better simply because we're Americans?

Those players from Turkey are all in Academies of professional clubs, and have been since they were 8 or 9 years old, in a professional training environment teaching them the technique and skills they exhibit now. Many of those clubs compete in the Champions League. Their parents were never concerned in the least whether they won a state cup, what division they played in, or how many rankings points their teams received.

How many USA U17 players did you see on the field that were as comfortable on the ball or running at defenders with the ball as their Turkish counterparts?

Until the culture of training our best players gets closer to the way our international competition does it, we will always lag behind.



EXCELLENT POST. I watched both the Brazil and Turkey games. I did not see one player on the US that stood out. Very good athletes but not very good soccer players. No creativity at all. And from what the commentators were saying this group has trained together for a while and will be the group that goes to the U17 world cup in Mexico next summer.

[Unregistered]

Until the culture of training our best players gets closer to the way our international competition does it, we will always lag behind.

Wasn't the DAP suppose to do this?

[Unregistered]

Wasn't the DAP suppose to do this?

It's "supposed." Ok, a poster just pointed out that many international players have been in academies since the age of 8 or 9. The DAP hasn't extended its reach that far (yet). And it might not, because I'm not sure we have that type of soccer culture in this country.

[Unregistered]

So we should be better simply because we're Americans?

Those players from Turkey are all in Academies of professional clubs, and have been since they were 8 or 9 years old, in a professional training environment teaching them the technique and skills they exhibit now. Many of those clubs compete in the Champions League. Their parents were never concerned in the least whether they won a state cup, what division they played in, or how many rankings points their teams received.

How many USA U17 players did you see on the field that were as comfortable on the ball or running at defenders with the ball as their Turkish counterparts?

Until the culture of training our best players gets closer to the way our international competition does it, we will always lag behind.

Still not comprehending. The players Landon Donovan played against weren't professionals? How about the one Claudio Reyna played against? Tab Ramos? John O'Brien?

[Unregistered]

EXCELLENT POST. I watched both the Brazil and Turkey games. I did not see one player on the US that stood out. Very good athletes but not very good soccer players. No creativity at all. And from what the commentators were saying this group has trained together for a while and will be the group that goes to the U17 world cup in Mexico next summer.

That's the point I'm trying to make. Despite the larger pool of athletes and all the money being thrown a youth soccer, we still aren't producing very good soccer players. Yet a whole lot of people watched the U17s play and think they are evidence of progress being made. I don't see it. And on the women's side the same youth system means we're getting worse not better.

[Unregistered]

Wasn't the DAP suppose to do this?

The DAP is in its infancy. If, as previous stated above, development starts early (U8/U9) then I would give the DAP 8 or so years before seeing what it can produce. Unfortunately, unless the DAP concerns itself with the younger players (Bolts vs Revs) then this development is incomplete.

[Unregistered]

DAP isn't doing anything that is significantly different than the old system. I notice they keep score and rankings, have playoffs... etc. If there is some magic in not emphasizing winning, theirs is a dilute brew. What we don't have in the US is qualified coaches teaching technique and field awareness/tactics beginning in U7 or so. The only a few coaches who do this right - giving players individual attention and instruction, not just large group exercises where individuals are largely ignored - and they tend to do this outside of club umbrellas. There's a few guys in the Boston area well known for this type of training in the last decade, and the handful of highly skilled well-rounded boys in this area have spent time with them. If we improved in this area, we'd have a larger population of competent players at U15.

[Unregistered]

Wasn't the DAP suppose to do this?

Not entirely. Remember, DAP doesn't do anyting for a kid who is 8, 9, 10 years old where you need to start training the kids the technical foundation they need.

[Unregistered]

Not entirely. Remember, DAP doesn't do anyting for a kid who is 8, 9, 10 years old where you need to start training the kids the technical foundation they need.

What? "Technical foundation" at 8,9,10???????????? Not going to happen here. U.S. kids are involved in too many activities and will not specialize that young.

[Unregistered]

DAP isn't doing anything that is significantly different than the old system. I notice they keep score and rankings, have playoffs... etc. If there is some magic in not emphasizing winning, theirs is a dilute brew. What we don't have in the US is qualified coaches teaching technique and field awareness/tactics beginning in U7 or so. The only a few coaches who do this right - giving players individual attention and instruction, not just large group exercises where individuals are largely ignored - and they tend to do this outside of club umbrellas. There's a few guys in the Boston area well known for this type of training in the last decade, and the handful of highly skilled well-rounded boys in this area have spent time with them. If we improved in this area, we'd have a larger population of competent players at U15.

You totally misunderstand the conceptual difference between what DAP does, and the arguments about why a team of U17 boys from Turkey is light years ahead of their USA counterparts.

Does DAP keep score? Yes? Have playoffs? Yes. But at U16, U17, and U18, the technical train has already left the station. The problem lies in the mentality of the clubs and parents in the US at the younger age groups, and those problems are evident in this very forum. Parents pissed off that their U12's don't get to play in a state cup. Parents obsessed over GotSoccer points, whether their kid's team will be in MAPLE Blue or D1, and who beats who on any weekend or tournament, etc.

[Unregistered]

What? "Technical foundation" at 8,9,10???????????? Not going to happen here. U.S. kids are involved in too many activities and will not specialize that young.

Well, then we have no right to expect to compete with those countries that do it.

[Unregistered]

So we should be better simply because we're Americans?

Those players from Turkey are all in Academies of professional clubs, and have been since they were 8 or 9 years old, in a professional training environment teaching them the technique and skills they exhibit now. Many of those clubs compete in the Champions League. Their parents were never concerned in the least whether they won a state cup, what division they played in, or how many rankings points their teams received.

How many USA U17 players did you see on the field that were as comfortable on the ball or running at defenders with the ball as their Turkish counterparts?

Until the culture of training our best players gets closer to the way our international competition does it, we will always lag behind.


I am not saying that Americans should be better because we are 'Americans', however, it is delusional to have watched these games and come away with any kind of superiority or brilliant performance as some would have you think. The American team was alright....perhaps mediocre. If it is enough to have a team that can play in the middle of the pack then you won't be disappointed. However, when one considers how much money is being spent on club sports (all sports) then you would like to think that a better product may come from it. It may be too early to evaluate the impact that club soccer has on the ability to compete on an international level. Club soccer has been about for more than 20 years....an entire generation. Perhaps this is still a relatively brief period of time compared to the rest of the world....it probably is. If so, then how long does one wait to determine the right direction that youth training should go in.
On these sites there is endless bashing of almost every aspect and avenue of todays youth programs. The DAP is, at least, an attempt to mirror European and Hispanic clubs however, it does not truly attract all the best players in the state, and many of these clubs do not start at the youth level.

[Unregistered]

Still not comprehending. The players Landon Donovan played against weren't professionals? How about the one Claudio Reyna played against? Tab Ramos? John O'Brien?

A handfull of field players (not GK's) who were peripha players compared to their international counterparts? Do you realize that Turkey and teams like them could field 5 teams of players technically better than our best eleven?

We have to stop feeling we are the best because we are American.

[Unregistered]

Well, then we have no right to expect to compete with those countries that do it.

And that's ok.

[Unregistered]

A handfull of field players (not GK's) who were peripha players compared to their international counterparts? Do you realize that Turkey and teams like them could field 5 teams of players technically better than our best eleven?

We have to stop feeling we are the best because we are American.

How do countries like Slovenia do it?

[Unregistered]

I didn't think Turkey was any big shakes - except for their diving/clock management technique.... Neither team seemed to have a great deal of organization. I don't recall there being a lot of posession by either team or the stringing together 4, 5, 6 passes.

Broadly speaking, I sensed our guys were getting by on athletic ability more than the Turks. I didn't see much subtlety in our guys' touch - how many balls did we put over the net from close range? How many balls were sent into space beyond the reach of our forwards and wings?


I also heard the commentators discussing how this group of players will be the team heading to Mexico for the next big international tournament. That got me thinking - how long have these players been together? Are they all living/training together in Bradenton (sp?)? At the national team level, is the idea that you bring a group of players together and that's the team for the next "cycle", so they can gel as a team?

[Unregistered]

A handfull of field players (not GK's) who were peripha players compared to their international counterparts? Do you realize that Turkey and teams like them could field 5 teams of players technically better than our best eleven?

We have to stop feeling we are the best because we are American.

Who are you arguing with? I'm certainly not suggesting that being American makes us the best. Anyone who watch this tournament on recent USWNT performance ought to see that quite clearly. We are poor technically. We are poor tactically. But we sure are athletic and have a great work ethic, or so we are told.

Read this forum though people will name the names of players destine for great things. Except it never happens. Why doesn't it happen? How did players like Donovan, Reyna, O'Brien and Ramos manage without the well defined youth soccer club system we have today? I think the club system maybe exactly why it isn't happening.

[Unregistered]

What? "Technical foundation" at 8,9,10???????????? Not going to happen here. U.S. kids are involved in too many activities and will not specialize that young.

Not for the elite families anyway. Why focus on soccer when you might have a pitcher or quarterback. Until soccer means a lucrative future, it won't be big here.

[Unregistered]

You totally misunderstand the conceptual difference between what DAP does, and the arguments about why a team of U17 boys from Turkey is light years ahead of their USA counterparts.

Does DAP keep score? Yes? Have playoffs? Yes. But at U16, U17, and U18, the technical train has already left the station. The problem lies in the mentality of the clubs and parents in the US at the younger age groups, and those problems are evident in this very forum. Parents pissed off that their U12's don't get to play in a state cup. Parents obsessed over GotSoccer points, whether their kid's team will be in MAPLE Blue or D1, and who beats who on any weekend or tournament, etc.

I don't misunderstand what DAP does - you do!. You (or whoever) claimed DAP is in its infancy, and that the focus is substantially different. It is not. You can look at all the rules about play time, the training frequency, whatever you like, and the conclusion is that the DAP system is not a 'game changer'. It's the same coaches, same drills, and frankly the same play to win mentality even though everyone repeats the Mantra - development, development...

And the FACT is that DAP does not extend to U8, and there's no plan to do that. Parents who want their kids to get a good early foundation in the game can either move them to Brazil or put them in the clinics offered by the very few coaches in this area who know how to develop skills in young players, and who do this independently of involvement in any particular team. Either train your kid yourself if you can, or pay for someone to do it - do not expect any club to do that.

[Unregistered]

I don't misunderstand what DAP does - you do!. You (or whoever) claimed DAP is in its infancy, and that the focus is substantially different. It is not. You can look at all the rules about play time, the training frequency, whatever you like, and the conclusion is that the DAP system is not a 'game changer'. It's the same coaches, same drills, and frankly the same play to win mentality even though everyone repeats the Mantra - development, development...

And the FACT is that DAP does not extend to U8, and there's no plan to do that. Parents who want their kids to get a good early foundation in the game can either move them to Brazil or put them in the clinics offered by the very few coaches in this area who know how to develop skills in young players, and who do this independently of involvement in any particular team. Either train your kid yourself if you can, or pay for someone to do it - do not expect any club to do that.


It is not really clear if the DAP offers better technical training. However, if by attracting better players they might have greater resources, and subsequently be able to attract better coaches....or vice versa....either way the growth of the DAP could be cyclical. If this part is successful then those teams will also succeed. This is no different than ANY club anywhere.
The DAP might offer greater competition and exposure for players to be seen, however, this varies from state to state.

Of the two DAP clubs in Mass, one offers free training, their own fields, and a theoretical advantage to be exposed to a professional club, while the other offers training from below 10 (U10 and Junior Academy) and up along with very very good training, top level competition, exposure and opportunity.......however, all for a price....which may not be any different in cost than any other top level club in Mass that travels for regional play and tournaments. While rumor exists that the former will have U14 and U15 teams, it is also rumored that this will not be for free.

Are these advantages over other clubs and trying out for ODP??? It is tough to say.

[Unregistered]

The training, cost, etc is a piece of the upside to participating in a DAP, but the overall day-in-day-out skill, talent, and commitment level of players in the local DAP programs and the teams they play are also higher than you will get in MAPLE and or the Regional League.

Its the best we have. Are there better programs in foreign countries - sure. Are there a dozen club coaches who think they could do it better - who you kidding, there are a hundred.... Complain if you want, believe the grass is greener elsewhere. It doesn't matter, DAP is where its at if you are a high school age kid who wants to play soccer at the highest level possible.

[Unregistered]

I don't misunderstand what DAP does - you do!. You (or whoever) claimed DAP is in its infancy, and that the focus is substantially different. It is not. You can look at all the rules about play time, the training frequency, whatever you like, and the conclusion is that the DAP system is not a 'game changer'. It's the same coaches, same drills, and frankly the same play to win mentality even though everyone repeats the Mantra - development, development...

And the FACT is that DAP does not extend to U8, and there's no plan to do that. Parents who want their kids to get a good early foundation in the game can either move them to Brazil or put them in the clinics offered by the very few coaches in this area who know how to develop skills in young players, and who do this independently of involvement in any particular team. Either train your kid yourself if you can, or pay for someone to do it - do not expect any club to do that.

The development philosophy of 'winning is not important- focus on trying new moves/ skills/ dribble more etc..at the risk of taking more chances and losing the ball etc..' - applies more to the younger age groups. At DAP U16 and higher, winning is very important.

[Unregistered]

Not for the elite families anyway. Why focus on soccer when you might have a pitcher or quarterback. Until soccer means a lucrative future, it won't be big here.

There's the problem in a nutshell.

Americans won't play soccer because it isn't "lucrative".

The rest of these countries play because it's a passion.

[Unregistered]

I don't misunderstand what DAP does - you do!. You (or whoever) claimed DAP is in its infancy, and that the focus is substantially different. It is not. You can look at all the rules about play time, the training frequency, whatever you like, and the conclusion is that the DAP system is not a 'game changer'. It's the same coaches, same drills, and frankly the same play to win mentality even though everyone repeats the Mantra - development, development...

And the FACT is that DAP does not extend to U8, and there's no plan to do that. Parents who want their kids to get a good early foundation in the game can either move them to Brazil or put them in the clinics offered by the very few coaches in this area who know how to develop skills in young players, and who do this independently of involvement in any particular team. Either train your kid yourself if you can, or pay for someone to do it - do not expect any club to do that.

You might want to read a little bit. All DAP players on all clubs are trainined using a curriculum develepoed by the US National team coaching staff.

We do agree on DAP best being served at the younger age groups.

[Unregistered]

There's the problem in a nutshell.

Americans won't play soccer because it isn't "lucrative".

The rest of these countries play because it's a passion.

Not quite- kids in poor countries have dreams of turning professional because it's their ONLY way out from the vicious cycle of poverty.

[Unregistered]

Not quite- kids in poor countries have dreams of turning professional because it's their ONLY way out from the vicious cycle of poverty.

Yeah, I'm sure that is exactly what some 7 or 8 year old Brazilian is thinking of when playing soccer.

[Unregistered]

I gotta agree with that 100%. Probably the vast majority of US kids are not going (or not allowed to) miss much school or homework for soccer. If they didn't have (much) school and played soccer 4-5 hours a day, they'd be awfully good. And that's what's happening in a lot of poor countries.

[Unregistered]

1. US Club Soccer is a business that caters to the children of wealthy US families.

2. Most US families are not wealthy.

3. Therefore, most US children do not play club soccer.


Your ODP program should sponsor 20 underpriveledged kids in each bracket. This would be like a fee charged for using the O in ODP and US. These guys have only one shot to represent their country. Too bad it's in Afgahnastan.

[Unregistered]

1. US Club Soccer is a business that caters to the children of wealthy US families.

2. Most US families are not wealthy.

3. Therefore, most US children do not play club soccer.


Your ODP program should sponsor 20 underpriveledged kids in each bracket. This would be like a fee charged for using the O in ODP and US. These guys have only one shot to represent their country. Too bad it's in Afgahnastan.



First, ODP sponsors many players. What they don't do is send a driver or bus to the communities to pick kids up. If you get there and can play....but have little money....ODP will find a way....but you have to make an effort to get there.

Second, Americans are still far better off studying and concentrating on school than trying to make is as a professional soccer player. Americans have many ways to represent their country....it doesn't have to be as a professional athlete.

Ironically, American families pay a lot of money to play youth soccer, but are not only unlikely to get an Athletic scholarship (actually they are more likely to get an academic one), and, at the current market value, are not likely to make what many would consider a profitable living playing in the US pro leagues. They would be far better off taking the 5-10,000 dollars per year and applying it toward college tuition, or some kind of investment.

[Unregistered]

They would be far better off taking the 5-10,000 dollars per year and applying it toward college tuition, or some kind of investment.

Same for AAu sports, Jr Hockey...

[Unregistered]

1. US Club Soccer is a business that caters to the children of wealthy US families.

2. Most US families are not wealthy.

3. Therefore, most US children do not play club soccer.


Your ODP program should sponsor 20 underpriveledged kids in each bracket. This would be like a fee charged for using the O in ODP and US. These guys have only one shot to represent their country. Too bad it's in Afgahnastan.

Where there's a will, there's a way. Just like anything, if you want it badly enough for yourself or your children, you will find a way. I've had my issues with clubs over play, communication, etc but their willingness to make the club experience work financially for my family is not one of them.

[Unregistered]

1. US Club Soccer is a business that caters to the children of wealthy US families.

2. Most US families are not wealthy.

3. Therefore, most US children do not play club soccer.


Your ODP program should sponsor 20 underpriveledged kids in each bracket. This would be like a fee charged for using the O in ODP and US. These guys have only one shot to represent their country. Too bad it's in Afgahnastan.

First of all, there are scholarships at both the ODP and club level. Second, being poor is not synonomous with being a good athlete. Ask Landon Donovan.

[Unregistered]

First of all, there are scholarships at both the ODP and club level. Second, being poor is not synonomous with being a good athlete. Ask Landon Donovan.

Or Kaka.

[Unregistered]

So we should be better simply because we're Americans?

Those players from Turkey are all in Academies of professional clubs, and have been since they were 8 or 9 years old, in a professional training environment teaching them the technique and skills they exhibit now. Many of those clubs compete in the Champions League. Their parents were never concerned in the least whether they won a state cup, what division they played in, or how many rankings points their teams received.

How many USA U17 players did you see on the field that were as comfortable on the ball or running at defenders with the ball as their Turkish counterparts?

Until the culture of training our best players gets closer to the way our international competition does it, we will always lag behind.



Florida Rush U17 Boys played the U17 MNT and tied 1-1. Rush U18 Boys BEAT the U17 MNT 1-0. The MNT is not special. It's who you know....how you can pay to play. Any one of the boys on both Rush teams could be on the MNT - they have the same caliber players. Some Rush players even better. Again...it's who you know...and what you can afford. That's the American way.

[Unregistered]

Or Kaka.

not Kaka. He came from a fairly well off family. Other examples: Pele, Ze Roberto, Marcelo (real madrid)

[Unregistered]

not Kaka. He came from a fairly well off family. Other examples: Pele, Ze Roberto, Marcelo (real madrid)

That was the point being made. "being poor is not synonomous with being a good athlete. Ask Landon Donovan." Or Kaka.

Many European soccer players come from families that did not grow up in poverty. On the continent middle class families aren't so hung up about their sons persuing a soccer career instead of becoming doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs.

[Unregistered]

That was the point being made. "being poor is not synonomous with being a good athlete. Ask Landon Donovan." Or Kaka.

Many European soccer players come from families that did not grow up in poverty. On the continent middle class families aren't so hung up about their sons persuing a soccer career instead of becoming doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs.


right. However being poor helps. In many countries around the world where poverty is rampant and education and opportunity is hugely lacking, young kids and their families see soccer as the only ticket to success- which becomes a huge motivator. Looks at all the successes from African countries like Ghana and Congo for example

[Unregistered]

right. However being poor helps. In many countries around the world where poverty is rampant and education and opportunity is hugely lacking, young kids and their families see soccer as the only ticket to success- which becomes a huge motivator. Looks at all the successes from African countries like Ghana and Congo for example

There is a great book on the subject "The Italian Job" by Gianluca Vialli and Gabriele Marcotti. Vialli came up through the Italian youth system, played for Sampdoria and Juventus and eventually played and managed at Chelsea. He discusses his view and the view of others such as Ferguson, Mourinho, Wenger, Eriksson, Capello, and Lippi on the difference between countries' soccer culture and in particular the difference between the English and Italian systems from youth to professional. Definitely a book to put on your reading list.

[Unregistered]

not Kaka. He came from a fairly well off family. Other examples: Pele, Ze Roberto, Marcelo (real madrid)

That was the point, if you'd have read the post properly.

[Unregistered]

There is a great book on the subject "The Italian Job" by Gianluca Vialli and Gabriele Marcotti. Vialli came up through the Italian youth system, played for Sampdoria and Juventus and eventually played and managed at Chelsea. He discusses his view and the view of others such as Ferguson, Mourinho, Wenger, Eriksson, Capello, and Lippi on the difference between countries' soccer culture and in particular the difference between the English and Italian systems from youth to professional. Definitely a book to put on your reading list.

Back in the dark days of this forum, FSM used to post things exactly like this.

[Unregistered]

Back in the dark days of this forum, FSM used to post things exactly like this.

You mean "early" days? Dark days would mean a time when this forum held a closed mind. That certainly hasn't changed, but suggesting a book to increase knowledge is certainly enlightening, so maybe there is hope.