Stop Holding Players Back: The Pathway Is the Point
I've witnessed it time and again.
Talented young players showing real promise — only to be persuaded to stay at a local club for the wrong reasons. Coaches and even parents downplaying top-tier academies, casting doubt on the MLS pathway, and convincing kids to stay put so teams can keep winning.
Let’s call it what it is: a significant problem in American youth soccer.
Club Before Player? It’s Happening More Than We Admit
I’ve seen coaches put their team’s success and club reputation ahead of the individual development of their players. The message is subtle but consistent:
“You don’t need to leave. You’ll develop just fine here.”
“Those MLS academies don’t care about you — they just want to win.”
“Stay loyal. We’re building something special here.”
But let’s be honest — the motivation is often about keeping strong teams intact. Winning tournaments. Retaining club status. Protecting egos.
It’s not about what’s best for the player.
At a club where I recently served as the leader, I once brought up in a staff meeting that we should be actively encouraging and supporting our best players to move on when they've outgrown us — to seek out stronger environments and better opportunities. I was met with resistance. Some coaches were visibly upset by the suggestion.
Honestly, I was shocked.
If we say we care about development, how can we justify holding players back?
Whether You Like It or Not, the Pathway Exists
We talk constantly about “development pathways” in American soccer — and whether or not you agree with the structure, the fact is:
If you're a top player, the MLS academy system is where you should be aiming.
These clubs have access to:
Better facilities
More specialized coaching
Higher-level competition
Actual professional pathways
Recently, I spent time on a USSF B License course with Xavi Bravo, who not only served as an instructor but also coaches one of the top Seattle Sounders Academy teams. His depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and the resources at his disposal are leagues ahead of what most grassroots or mid-level clubs can offer.
Yet I continue to hear local coaches and parents speak poorly of Sounders Academy, despite knowing very little about what happens inside those walls.
The Problem Is Bigger Than Misinformation
This isn't just about bad takes or misinformed opinions. It’s about holding players back. It’s about keeping them from testing themselves in environments where they might fail, struggle, and ultimately grow.
Is the MLS Academy path perfect? No.
Is it the right path for every kid? No.
But if we’re serious about development, we must stop sabotaging the opportunity when it’s the right fit.
What We Owe Players
As coaches, mentors, and parents, our job is to:
Tell the truth about the pathway
Let players chase environments that challenge them
Prioritize their growth, not our team trophies
Stay humble and continue learning ourselves
It takes courage to let a great player go. But if we really care about their future, we must stop keeping them in small ponds when they’re ready for the ocean.
🧠 If you’re a coach who’s serious about development, it’s time to ask yourself:
Are you building a great team, or are you building great players?
Let’s start acting like the pathway matters — because it does.