The soccer elites are often not fond of high school soccer. They’ve built year-round club leagues that take top players out of the experience because they’re more concerned with player development. They believe high school soccer is a lower standard and at minimum doesn’t help kids and at maximum hurts kids. They think playing club year-round sharpens skills and introduces...

Darryl was a walking SportsCenter anchor for his son. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of every highlight, skill, award, or attribute at the ready to share with anyone interested or even not interested. He had never really been a big 'volunteer' for club team activities, but one frigid March showcase, an opportunity arose he couldn't pass up. The team needed...