"We will never compete at that level until we get it right" Landon Donovan speaks out on the issues of youth development in US Soccer 🎙️ (via Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast)

@SOTUWithAlexi The other issue is that kids can’t even afford to play at the competitive level needed. There needs to be competitive options that don’t cost $2k-$3k per season that doesn’t include travel etc

@SOTUWithAlexi These guys are such clowns. “The incentive structure is totally backwards.” Agreed. Do you want to elaborate on why it is backwards and why the rest of the world has academies that focus on developing talent? No you don’t because it would undermine MLS and your bosses.

@SOTUWithAlexi This is 100% accurate and to counter it we supplement with futsal to continue development. Additionally I don’t know how to solve the incentive structure problem in American soccer. Clubs have very little incentive to actually develop kids for kids long term success.

@SOTUWithAlexi Not saying this doesn’t happen at the youth levels, but where is your evidence that this is happening at a high percentage? I’d like to point out that blaming U7 soccer coaches is ridiculous. These kids aren’t even playing travel yet.

@SOTUWithAlexi Not sure how much truth there is to this. I have never met a coach of six year olds with this attitude. Popular narrative with little evidence to back it up.

@SOTUWithAlexi This is the same person that wanted Pulisic to move to the MLS while he is in his prime

@SOTUWithAlexi Landon is just a moron

@SOTUWithAlexi He’s right. Unfortunately he didn’t use the word overall in describing the problem with US soccer because, of course, people in the comments can’t think beyond themselves.

@SOTUWithAlexi Landon a legendary player Landon a brainless understanding of wider ⚽️ topics

@SOTUWithAlexi That’s not the issue with US soccer. My observations are you play it like you play basketball. Not as a team but trying to be the star man. Trying to get the highlight reel for a college scholarship. It takes you so far but as soon as you play a well drilled team…….