The Real Deal: Ajax America Understands
August 14, 2006
Continuing with discussion…so as we have seen this past weekend two MLS teams being tested by the best and the fans came out of the woodwork to see the stars. Again, Randy Tinfow’s point is well taken in that, a quality product attracts a crowd. However, should we sacrfice and limit American player opportunity to grow and achieve the heights of a Barcelona or Chelsea?
Question: do we want the NASL back or can we wait for MLS to thrive?
Yes, it will take years and a lot of player development to reach the stage of a Barcelona but, are we as an American league ready to sacrifice American player development in order to pay higher salaries to non-American players? Or, should we continue the track with MLS?
The current track seems to be: build the infrastructure, make the business viable, create player development systems/clubs and continue to reinvest. It has taken Ajax over a century (104 years) to become known as the World’s best youth development system. Ajax itself understands the talent in America as it founded Ajax America in 2003 in Central Florida. Recently, Ajax America took four promosing young American players to Holland for the ultimate test and they did very well apparently (Read more about Bobby, Kovi, Nicholas and Andrew here.)
Don’t get me wrong - it was great to see such amazing talent on American soil but, my interest is in seeing the best American boys play and take care of the Barcelona’s, the Chelsea’s and Real Madrid’s of the World. How about you? I have to believe there is a happy medium but, are we getting there?
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