https://www.nesoccerjournal.com/divi...iting-stigmas/
It's a paid subscription, so some won't be able to read it. A couple of snippets caught my eye:
Naturally, one might ask what informs and fuels this perception. In part, Kim said the club soccer environment can encourage players to pursue the D-I path. For better or for worse, families – prospective and current ones – can assume that their membership results in going to a certain type of school.
“Clubs use Division I signings as a marketing tool to try and attract kids from other clubs to them, and then you get people who are entrenched in the idea that Division I is always a better option,” Kim said. “Sometimes, club coaches steer players away from a Division III school that might be a good option just because it could win the club the most recognition as a producer of players at certain schools.”
Club and college soccer are also inextricably linked, systemically dependent on one another to recruit and thrive. It’s a years-long funnel where players enter clubs in gradeschool and progress up the ranks to college soccer. All along, in the pay-to-play culture that defines American soccer, families can view their child’s experience as an investment.
It's a paid subscription, so some won't be able to read it. A couple of snippets caught my eye:
Naturally, one might ask what informs and fuels this perception. In part, Kim said the club soccer environment can encourage players to pursue the D-I path. For better or for worse, families – prospective and current ones – can assume that their membership results in going to a certain type of school.
“Clubs use Division I signings as a marketing tool to try and attract kids from other clubs to them, and then you get people who are entrenched in the idea that Division I is always a better option,” Kim said. “Sometimes, club coaches steer players away from a Division III school that might be a good option just because it could win the club the most recognition as a producer of players at certain schools.”
Club and college soccer are also inextricably linked, systemically dependent on one another to recruit and thrive. It’s a years-long funnel where players enter clubs in gradeschool and progress up the ranks to college soccer. All along, in the pay-to-play culture that defines American soccer, families can view their child’s experience as an investment.
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