PDL is the answer - Reader comments at The New York Sun

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Reader comment on:
NCAA Soccer a Dead End for MLS Talent

Submitted by Murph, Nov 28, 2006 19:51

I do not agree with this article. I believe there is very good soocer being played in the USA. Yes, there is a distinct difference between college and professional soccer. The gap can be closed with the professional development league (PDL). In this league, local players with names that local people know, can play while attending college and beyond. Ticket prices are reasonable and it is great to see high school standouts from a few years ago playing together on a local team. The future of US soccer is in developing this league. The PDL is what the minor leagues are to baseball. From this league the future MLS stars will be found. These teams often have club teams beneath them cultivating the youth players for a future on the PDL team. A deal between the MLS and the PDL should be made to strengthen this link, to increase the potential player pool. I love high school soccer, I love college soccer, and I love professional soccer, each is a step along the way, each serves its own purpose.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment	By	Date
Yeah we're caught in a conundrum. We want our kids to developed their skills, but we also want them to... [MORE]	lee	Aug 26, 2008 15:23
Paul Gardner speaks the truth. I wish it weren't true but it is. One earlier poster suggested the problem is... [MORE]	Jim Compton	Feb 12, 2007 09:28
I do not agree with this article. I believe there is very good soocer being played in the USA. Yes,...	Murph	Nov 28, 2006 19:51
It's fine for colleges and universities to offer athletic programs for its students, but when these college programs take on... [MORE]	Ron Rockman	Nov 28, 2006 19:03
I was a HS coach for 30 years in 3 different sports. If all I did was try to get... [MORE]	Michael	Jul 25, 2007 17:10
Paul Gardner is terrific at finding faults with American soccer but rarely offers solutions or ideas to overcome them. He... [MORE]	Michael	Nov 23, 2006 13:10
Paul's comments are not news to the US soccer fan. I think his focus on the college game is wrong.... [MORE]	Bruce Gowan	Nov 22, 2006 17:51
Criticizing college soccer for its physical style and emphasis on hustle is ridiculous. That is the way Americans play sports... [MORE]	Tony Caplan	Nov 22, 2006 17:38
This is a major and very real let down to anyone who has been dreaming of playing professional soccer. It's... [MORE]	Cassie	Nov 22, 2006 16:32
Great article! [MORE]	Objectivo	Nov 22, 2006 15:59
My son chose to attend college after returning from a year at a pro club in europe while still in... [MORE]	RG	Nov 21, 2006 23:52
Wow, finally someone who agrees that men's college soccer is a waste. I won't repeat what the author of the... [MORE]	Ivan D. Ivanov	Nov 21, 2006 13:37
Nothing was mentioned about the low pay that mls provides. I believe that also prevents many younger players to commit... [MORE]	a fan	Nov 21, 2006 20:47

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