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Soccer Carnival Series: Retaining US Talent Part 2

How does MLS retain/lure the top American talent?

There are so many ways and angles by which this question could be answered but, I will focus on two points.  Let me preface this question by stating, currently the MLS is not recognized as the TOP LEADING LEAGUE.  With that in mind, TOP PLAYERS will always pursue to be of THE ELITE and rightfully so.  Given the talent and opportunity you would go too.

First, MLS must raise its Global Presence as a TOP FLIGHT OR PREMIER LEAGUE.  Although this has much more to do with the business end of marketing and strategic business models, compensation, transfer fees, etc.  Let us also keep in mind MLS is only 12 years old, it has not even reached the teen years.  It is just now establishing soccer-specific stadiums and launching a league youth development system.  I’d say we have some growing up to do still and good times are ahead.

Retaining Top American talent is being achieved today but raising the level and numbers of American players that can compete on the world stage is what the league needs to do.  US Soccer for so many years has been operating under what I call "The Labratory Strategy", which is to try and define or identify the TOP Players and put them in a training camp.  From my perspective, this system has not produced the level of quality and importantly quantity of players per the US population.  In essence, it is my opinion that US Soccer needs an overhaul and the MLS Youth Development System can be part of the solution.

A case in point:  Look at the 400+ professional clubs in Brazil.  Then look at how many clubs around the World are enjoying the benefits of these highly skilled 200+ players primarily in Italy, Portugal, and Spain.  These players are going out to compete and earn a good living. 

Considering that MLS is a young league with 13 teams and with the USL’s many tiers of leagues, it would behove the powers-that-be to collaborate more in order create a better flow of player development.  By maximizing club competition opportunities to create the highest and most intense competition possible could help to raise American level of play.  I am suggesting that if MLS and USL could become more aligned and cooperative with player development, technical direction and increased competition we might see more players being produced at the elite level.  Moreover, having more international competitive opportunities for youth clubs to compete against another could serve as a critical component to raise the level of play. 

Of course, I see this all being connected to the local MLS or USL clubs with their technical direction and coaching curricula.  This connection with the club also serves as a retention tool in itself.  If I grow up a Newcastle or Man U fan and go through the player development system there is much more of an emotional connection to "The Club" and players might be willing to pass on other opportunities.

– Jason

** Jason Cronkhite is co-founder and CEO of Ziga-Zoga, one of soccer’s
newest community-based websites.  A former college soccer player,
Jason’s background includes sports marketing, branding and interactive marketing/media.  He can be reached at jcronkhite<at>zigazoga.com .

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