Why? Man City is based in a country with an economy a fraction of the size of the US. Yes, England has historically been a much better soccer (football) market. Will it be for the next 30 years? I think that’s up to MLS. I hope they operate from an ambitious rather than fearful incremental posture.

I would love to find out. We have mega-rich owners. I think City Group and NYCFC would flip the switch as soon as MLS lifted the restrictions.

Well, there are some 16, 17, and 18 year old academy players starting for Barcelona and winning European Championships, so I think it’s possible for young players to succeed at the top level. In any case, I prefer the former model in your last reply.

Yep - my post is a way of putting it out into the universe that it would be nice if MLS invested in players to the extent that the level matched the development academy output.

That is evidence of fantastic development work. If I’m honest, though, I’d sure like to see the cream of that crop stay with the Union. Otherwise, we’re applauding them for stocking our national team, but not for using their development system to win championships.

It’s been a while - founded FC Tucson (Men and Women) and developed MLS preseason in Tucson with partners in 2010 - but I’d be happy to join others in a conversation. We need more clubs!

The gift seems to address exactly the things we would want US Soccer to invest in - inclusion, coaching education, and the future of the game.