Many of these youth teams are run by men whose sense of accomplishment is tied up in their youngsters winning football matches. As a result, the kids who are selected to play for teams at this level are often those who have developed faster than others and stand out through their physical prowess rather than their skill.

Yes! It’s the same in the US. I think US Soccer is recognizing this and trying to move away from this model, which will be a good thing.

I didn’t realize futsal was big with younger kids in Brazil. I’ve never seen an actual game, only highlights, but it has to teach incredible ball control because that surface is completely unforgiving. It never occurred to me that futsal could be an answer, but you may be onto something.

Alex, you’re right about the egos. There’s also the fact that the top clubs throw so much money at kids to be benchwarmers, they don’t have to develop beyond a certain point.

Regardless of whether you’re in England or Brazil, if you’re signed by a club at 9 or 12, you’ll turn into a fairly good player. The problem, I think, is the difference between the kind of players that are scouted in England – and presumably America – as opposed to Brazil. Most youngsters are spotted playing competitive games for a local youth team. Many of these youth teams are run by men whose sense of accomplishment is tied up in their youngsters winning football matches. As a result, the kids who are selected to play for teams at this level are often those who have developed faster than others and stand out through their physical prowess rather than their skill. This is especially noticeable after the kid turns 12, as English youngsters, for reasons known only to god, play full 11-a-side football on a full-sized adult pitch at that age. This generally results in the team with bigger players winning.

In Brazil, on the other hand, kids are often spotted playing Futsal, and that game is used in training throughout their youth. It teaches superb ball control and precision.

I think the problem in England is the context in which players are scouted for the clubs rather than the training they receive there. There’s a reason English players tend to be strong but skill-less, and it’s the way kids are forced to play up to the age of 12 or 14.

living here in the US ive seen alot of soccer fields…and kids playing…so the youth academys are starting to kick off in my area…i dont know about signing 9 yr olds to clubs…especially in the US where kids would rather do other things such as play other sports…football (american)…basketball…and baseball..all these sports are televised on major networks..soccer isnt that important in the US for 9 yr old to b signed to clubs…unless ur a special exception…not like brazil were they bleed soccer..

And who knows… if I can find a club team with a good Brazilian coach, I might take him there too!

My only disappointment is that the kid kinda likes playing defense. I wanted him to be an attacking midfielder. Maybe I should send him to an Italian Club!!