The Dark Side of American Youth Soccer: A Culture of Overemphasis and Exclusion The U. S.
Men's National Team's disappointing World Cup performance has sparked a national debate about the state of youth soccer in America.
While many have focused on the shortcomings of the pay to play system, aggressive pre professional academies, and private equity influence, another aspect deserves closer examination: the culture of overemphasis and exclusion that pervades American youth soccer.