Tom – Great thoughts. One thing to soncider is the difference in dog training advice and expertise the curent crop of US youth is receiving in the sport. My 8-year-old has practice 3x/week, from Jan 15- November (state cup takes place over Thanksgiving weekend). There is no other sport in this country that has that kind of year-round dedication to conditioning, training, and development. The diference between the time I played (I am 42) and present day is night and day. Mark my words, the US will be a force in the beautiful game by the time I reach 60.

Want to know how I know this? Look at the number of Euro professional clubs that are now creating ties with US youth clubs. My son’s club (Ajax United) will be having a week long training session with the professional Dutch Ajax Club this summer. Mark my words, the near future looks good for US prospects.

Go USA!!