Everything Everywhere Daily · Monday, July 13, 2026
European soccer clubs like Arsenal have deeply integrated youth academies that develop players from a very young age, covering all costs from coaching to equipment. This contrasts sharply with the US system, where the financial burden of player development often falls on families, and professional league structures like MLS Next are relatively new and small.
“Consider Arsenal, the 2026 Premier League winner and the UEFA Champions League runner-up. Arsenal has a youth soccer academy for toddlers as young as two.”
“The best players in England don't pay for soccer beyond the age of six.”
“There is no coherent interconnected club system in the United States.”