Over the next few days and weeks, scribes will pen postmortems on the U.S. exit from the World Cup.  Much of the substance will consist of the same commentary from the last several tournaments…the crux will be the need for more technical ability – especially in the attacking third.

With the exception of the 2002 World Cup, when the U.S. got to the quarterfinals and featured technically adept midfielders such as Claudio Reyna and John O’Brien, the refrain has been the same.  The goalkeeping is terrific and the team defends like warriors.  Even pundits will talk about the current generation of athletes, rather than focus on how to develop future players.  Every World Cup we hear about the need to develop an “American Messi”, but there is no focus on the system that prevents the nurturing of such a player.  We seem happy to take baby steps (such as getting out of the group stage two tournaments in a row), but the reality is a thorough examination of youth development is essential for further progress.

This is what Germany did; this is what Belgium did.  The U.S. has begun that process, but the reality is that little fiefdoms continue to dominate youth soccer.  The “pay to play” model predominates, leading to a narrow focus on winning over development.  ”Paying for the accent” is all too common.  Even well-intentioned immigrant coaches find themselves not training for development, but (because they know they will lose their teams – and their paychecks – if the parents don’t see “results”) training for winning – resulting in a losing combination as kids get older.  Parents desperately need to be educated so they understand the merits of long-term player development.  Winning a league or tournament at u-9 does not foretell college / professional glory (believe it or not).

Over the next few weeks we’ll look at the changes made by Germany, Belgium, Spain, and others.  Due to a variety of factors, including its geographic size, cultural disparity, costs to play, and focus on college athletics, the U.S. can not merely cut and paste what is done in Europe.  This U.S. team worked hard and put forth the effort to succeed, but it is concerning that the structure of American youth soccer might actually stifle creative, inventive players, rather than cultivate them.  In order for American soccer to develop, however, it is critical that we examine what we’re doing wrong (and right), and look to other worldly examples to see what can work in this country.

Some have attempted to begin this process, but the reality is that too many people remain close-minded and guarded of their little fiefdoms to implement the radical change that is needed.  It’s time that this change takes place, and it starts with how we train kids.

No one has all the answers.  Please feel free to comment and join the debate.