Some of it has to do with realistic expectations, money-wise and as means to other ends such as scholarships. A project that might help US Soccer is to poach g

Some of it has to do with realistic expectations, money-wise and as means to other ends such as scholarships. A project that might help US Soccer is to poach good athletes from other sports who would have trouble getting a scholarship in their current sport. For example - a HS American football player with great speed who weighs less than 200 lbs, doesn't bench or squat very well, and is not a kicker. Or a baseball player who can't come around on a 90 mph fastball. What inspires me here is how similar a good (feet-first) base slide is to a soccer tackle. Or a 5'11" basketball player not named Allen Iverson. To me, the question is at what age can soccer skills be taught for world-class results?