by LFC2007 » Thu May 08, 2008 2:25 am
Well, my perceptions have been challenged, which is always nice. I've perceived Americans to be quite insular, unconcerned by the finer detail of what occurs outside of their sphere of interests, so I'm really quite surprised that you take this level of interest in the inner-workings and developments of our youth system. It's great to see.
I'm not all that keen on the notion of signing up increasingly younger players, in any sport, for ridiculous sums of money.
I think the shoe deal example borders on the ridiculous, in fact, it is ridiculous.
It happens here mind, just not on the same scale as in the U.S.
I do admire a high level of competitiveness and drive to be the 'next best thing' at youth level in football, but just feel that the massive financial incentives on offer threaten to corrupt the spirit of the game. It's pretty much already done that to quite a large extent in my view, but that's another debate in itself which touches upon political outlooks.