DAP is going to be dismantled in a few years

[Unregistered]

'More to play for'..... give me a break. You're implying everyone on a DAP team is from a rich family. You could not be more wrong.

I'm sorry the truth hurts bud.

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Town.

Largest town in the US at one point

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This is a valid point. Many will argue that even if the inner-city kids, or kids of a lower socioeconomic status, are given the chance to play for free that transportation is still an issue for them. The family may only have one car or no car at all. I can appreciate that argument but public transportation is pretty widespread in most larger cities albeit the routes don't always go to where they need to go.

I am not doubting that there are programs that give kids the opportunity to play at a reduced cost but where are these programs? They need to be made available across the States.

Bolts, Revs, Valeo, Blazers etc etc
There are plenty of club that offer free play.

[Unregistered]

Bolts, Revs, Valeo, Blazers etc etc
There are plenty of club that offer free play.

To a small number of players based on need. A roster may have three kids tops on scholarship. And that still doesn't mitigate transportation issues for practices and games (who's taking a bus to Foxboro?), as well as travel expenses for non MLS kids.

Besides, this is a discussion around kids already in middle and high school. They've already had years of "development." Low income families can't afford years of club fees and other costs, especially if they have multiple children. Sure a few kids might get discovered and given a scholarship but in reality much of the talent is undiscovered. The US simply doesn't have the systems in place like in Europe or South America - systems that have been developed over decades and fueled by wildly successful clubs and a culture that's passionate for the game

[Unregistered]

To a small number of players based on need. A roster may have three kids tops on scholarship. And that still doesn't mitigate transportation issues for practices and games (who's taking a bus to Foxboro?), as well as travel expenses for non MLS kids.

Besides, this is a discussion around kids already in middle and high school. They've already had years of "development." Low income families can't afford years of club fees and other costs, especially if they have multiple children. Sure a few kids might get discovered and given a scholarship but in reality much of the talent is undiscovered. The US simply doesn't have the systems in place like in Europe or South America - systems that have been developed over decades and fueled by wildly successful clubs and a culture that's passionate for the game

This is such a sad story.....
Every town has youth soccer. Arguably, those from 'low income' areas have a greater immigrant population with a greater chance of having a more significant soccer background. In those countries, kids simply go out and play in the streets, yards, and fields. At some point they move towards a more organized club.
Throughout Massachusetts there are clubs all over including Boston, Revere, Chelsea, Sommerville, Quincy etc etc. In addition, clubs like Blazers practice in Boston. There is ample opportunity for kids to find a club. I would also venture to guess that almost all have either computers or access to media and, with a minimal amount of effort, should be able to research and find opportunity.
Personally, I don't see much reason why 'low income' folk need to be more catered to than they already are.

However, lets look at it on a different level. These same kids get ample notice in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Why? The answer: These sports are more prevalent in this country and there is significantly greater financial support and resources devoted to those sports. To suggest that the Revs or Bolts or any other club are in anyway obligated to run all over Massachusetts setting up clinics to find the one or two...perhaps three diamonds is simply not practical.....not now....not with soccer being a lower priority compared to these other sports.

[Unregistered]

This is such a sad story.....
Every town has youth soccer. Arguably, those from 'low income' areas have a greater immigrant population with a greater chance of having a more significant soccer background. In those countries, kids simply go out and play in the streets, yards, and fields. At some point they move towards a more organized club.
Throughout Massachusetts there are clubs all over including Boston, Revere, Chelsea, Sommerville, Quincy etc etc. In addition, clubs like Blazers practice in Boston. There is ample opportunity for kids to find a club. I would also venture to guess that almost all have either computers or access to media and, with a minimal amount of effort, should be able to research and find opportunity.
Personally, I don't see much reason why 'low income' folk need to be more catered to than they already are.

However, lets look at it on a different level. These same kids get ample notice in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Why? The answer: These sports are more prevalent in this country and there is significantly greater financial support and resources devoted to those sports. To suggest that the Revs or Bolts or any other club are in anyway obligated to run all over Massachusetts setting up clinics to find the one or two...perhaps three diamonds is simply not practical.....not now....not with soccer being a lower priority compared to these other sports.

But that's the whole point we're all trying to make. If the US shares the same mentality as you that it's simply meaningless and "not worth it" to put more effort into establishing GOOD, SOLID, REPUTABLE, WELL-PUT programs for these inner cities, then the US will never achieve what they want to achieve, which is an national team that is able to realistically compete at the highest level and contend for the World Cup every four years.

The USMNT wants to compete with the best but if they're only half-assing it, they're not going to be achieve what they envision.

[Unregistered]

But that's the whole point we're all trying to make. If the US shares the same mentality as you that it's simply meaningless and "not worth it" to put more effort into establishing GOOD, SOLID, REPUTABLE, WELL-PUT programs for these inner cities, then the US will never achieve what they want to achieve, which is an national team that is able to realistically compete at the highest level and contend for the World Cup every four years.

The USMNT wants to compete with the best but if they're only half-assing it, they're not going to be achieve what they envision.

It's altogether possible that "GOOD, SOLID, REPUTABLE, WELL-PUT" programs established in the inner city in this country might not yield a sufficient level of interest given soccer's low spot on the totem pole. We'll never know until we try, though, but I imagine that there are strong outreach programs in at least some of the country's major metropolitan areas.

[Unregistered]

But that's the whole point we're all trying to make. If the US shares the same mentality as you that it's simply meaningless and "not worth it" to put more effort into establishing GOOD, SOLID, REPUTABLE, WELL-PUT programs for these inner cities, then the US will never achieve what they want to achieve, which is an national team that is able to realistically compete at the highest level and contend for the World Cup every four years.

The USMNT wants to compete with the best but if they're only half-assing it, they're not going to be achieve what they envision.

I agree with you because the lack of programs in these urban areas only shrinks the available talent pool. As a country striving to have a respected national team, we need to widen the talent pool... not keep tightening it by only offering soccer programs where it may be unreachable for certain demographics.

Just look at someone like Clint Dempsey. The guy's parents had to drive 4 hours to soccer practice and 4 hours back home from soccer practice when he was a youth player. That's absolutely ridiculous.

[Unregistered]

Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
But that's the whole point we're all trying to make. If the US shares the same mentality as you that it's simply meaningless and "not worth it" to put more effort into establishing GOOD, SOLID, REPUTABLE, WELL-PUT programs for these inner cities, then the US will never achieve what they want to achieve, which is an national team that is able to realistically compete at the highest level and contend for the World Cup every four years.

The USMNT wants to compete with the best but if they're only half-assing it, they're not going to be achieve what they envision.

I agree with you because the lack of programs in these urban areas only shrinks the available talent pool. As a country striving to have a respected national team, we need to widen the talent pool... not keep tightening it by only offering soccer programs where it may be unreachable for certain demographics.

Just look at someone like Clint Dempsey. The guy's parents had to drive 4 hours to soccer practice and 4 hours back home from soccer practice when he was a youth player. That's absolutely ridiculous.

Historically, how did baseball, basketball, football, track etc etc make it to all reaches of the population? The sports were built up over time and the communities created themselves. Soccer does not have the same interest throughout the country at this time. However, there is a more gradual buildup on many levels including the media. Right now soccer is a middle page or last page item and rarely appears on the major channels.

For those who keep berating and blaming the wealthy for 'hogging' the club spots, you are as naive as naive gets. If you really want to do something get off your ass and volunteer your time and money. Otherwise, recognize that those wealthy families are the ones who ARE helping to build the program by simply contributing their money. Many of them also volunteer for their club. While you might now react by saying they pay and volunteer for the beneift of their own kid to attend a NESCAC or IVY school, you have to realize that, while perhaps true, it is still contributing towards the clubs ability to welcome less well-off families.....and probably a greater contribution than many of the rest are willing to give....including those families that you want to reach out to.

Kudos to the Dempsey family. Why aren't they the rule and not the example. i am not suggesting that families travel 4 hours here and back.....fact is they would not have to travel more than 10-40 minutes each way......I am asking why the current inner-city folk can display a fraction of the resources in this area to get their kids involved. Please don't tell me that there isn't enough awareness in the social media about soccer!! Perhaps they are simply not interested. You cannot force a horse to dring the water. When the population is hungry enough they will seek food and water. If they are simply not interested due to other interests, perhaps laziness (God forbid anyone say that) then don't blame the rich and wealthy for their lack of involvment.

I agree that all parties should, perhaps, meet halfway, but that requires the consumer to get off their arse and make the effort......

[Unregistered]

Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post

Historically, how did baseball, basketball, football, track etc etc make it to all reaches of the population? The sports were built up over time and the communities created themselves. Soccer does not have the same interest throughout the country at this time. However, there is a more gradual buildup on many levels including the media. Right now soccer is a middle page or last page item and rarely appears on the major channels.

Please don't tell me that there isn't enough awareness in the social media about soccer!! Perhaps they are simply not interested. You cannot force a horse to dring the water. When the population is hungry enough they will seek food and water. If they are simply not interested due to other interests, perhaps laziness (God forbid anyone say that) then don't blame the rich and wealthy for their lack of involvment.

Add to your thoughts - 1) until more recently athletes in those sports could become HS super starts and be afforded college and professional opportunities without all the club play that happens now. That gave lower income kids a chance. 2) part of the allure of those sports (well maybe not as much with track) is the dream of achieving celebrity status and absurd wealth in professional sports. Celebrity athletes help sell the dream that anything is possible. There are few soccer super stars out there and they are not of interest to the average kid. They want to be the next Lebron, not Dempsey.

[Unregistered]

I'm sorry the truth hurts bud.

Idiot. Try to have at least one fact to back up your sad old argument.

[Unregistered]

These same kids get ample notice in football, basketball, track and field, and baseball. Why? The answer: These sports are more prevalent in this country and there is significantly greater financial support and resources devoted to those sports.

The number of kids playing baseball from inner-city areas has been gradually declining since the 80s. Rightly or not, baseball has been changing into a sport for kids of means. I'm not sure of the reasons why but it is happening.

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The number of kids playing baseball from inner-city areas has been gradually declining since the 80s. Rightly or not, baseball has been changing into a sport for kids of means. I'm not sure of the reasons why but it is happening.

More pro players are coming from south of the border and the Caribbean where there's a well developed player ID system. Baseball in the US has turned into a club driven sport as well so it's harder for middle-low income families to participate.

[Unregistered]

Idiot. Try to have at least one fact to back up your sad old argument.

Probably this person was not talking about MLS teams. DAP clubs are in general a different story. Even with scholarships, it's hard to get to practice, games, etc. Most of the kids on the roster belong to wealthy families, and they use DAP status to get some advantage for college admission. Take a look at Bolts.

[Unregistered]

The club environment has hurt more than helped develop talent in the US.
They have made it so expensive compared to 20 years ago.
20 years ago clubs, towns and anyone with a team could play soccer at a competitive level as long as they had a field.

Now a days you have parents who think that if your kid is not playing on a million dollar turf field in the NEP your kid will not develop.
If anything you should be playing on different surfaces .


DAP is the only positive thing that has happened in the last 10 years and it was a revolutionary reaction to the mediocrity in club soccer.

Club coaches and DOC want you the consumer or soccer parent to believe that their training is what is going to make your kid an elite player. The secret is playing more soccer.
The more you play the better you will become .



Revs are doing it right by sending their scout into the inner city and suburbs. If their is a kids who is outstanding they will find him. I know Bolts have the same setup in revere and chelsea .