All this from a kid who never played club soccer or was coached as a youth, instead honing his skills by “playing every pickup game I could find” in the streets and parks of Laredo.
For Dynamo director of youth development James Clarkson, who has seen him in action, Garcia is a find.
“A very rare find,” Clarkson said. “As organized as youth soccer is now, we might not see that again.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement of travel soccer in the United States. Agree? Disagree? Your thoughts, please...
I think that's overstating the situation saying it's not ringing endorsement. This is "one" kid that has made it to MLS bypassing the youth system. Whereas the other couple dozen that will break into the league this year all DID play organized youth soccer.
Totally agree, we need MORE PICK UP soccer. But if this kid ends up never making it because he can't figure out how to pass the ball, or play a specific role within a specific system of play at the professional level, then perhaps we'll look back and say as much good as playing in the streets does for you, you still need some organized teaching.
Ideally, our kids would be playing pick up soccer 4 days a week, and attending their organized training and games the other 3. That is what will churn out super stars from this melting pot on a regular basis.
All this from a kid who never played club soccer or was coached as a youth, instead honing his skills by “playing every pickup game I could find” in the streets and parks of Laredo.
For Dynamo director of youth development James Clarkson, who has seen him in action, Garcia is a find.
“A very rare find,” Clarkson said. “As organized as youth soccer is now, we might not see that again.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement of travel soccer in the United States. Agree? Disagree? Your thoughts, please...
There was a kid from Nantucket, Caio Correa, who is now playing in Brazil. It is almost impossible for kids from Nantucket to play club soccer because it would be so costly to get off the island. Here's a link to a sports illustrated article on him:
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