Excerpt: Even though he’s just 15, Kevin Durr of Garmisch, Germany, is well on his way to realizing his goal of becoming a professional soccer player. “Preferably in England or Germany,” said the 5-foot-4, 125-pounder center midfielder, “but Major League Soccer would be fine, too.” Durr, son of Marshall Center staff member Peter Durr, isn’t just harboring daydreams. He is the only non-German on the under-15 squad for one of soccer’s most exalted organizations, 20-time German champion Bayern Munich. Link: http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=123&article=37835 Seems his older brother Stefan, a well-regarded player in his own right, has moved clubs as well: Since it’s more than 50 miles, and more than an hour’s driving time from autobahn-challenged Munich to the family home in Garmisch, travel time became a serious issue for the Durr family. Kevin’s older brother, Stefan, 17, was playing for another team, based in a different Munich suburb from Bayern, until transportation became too complicated. “The logistics of having both boys play at different times in different places in Munich was just too much,” said Peter Durr, the boys’ father who was Army attaché in Bonn for four years before being assigned to Garmisch. He said those problems plus the burden of the rigorous international baccalaureate program the brothers pursue at MIS led the family to limit Stefan’s soccer to the school team and playing for the local club, FC Garmisch. Stefan responded by making the International Schools’ All-Europe team, arousing interest from U.S. college coaches and maintaining his family superiority over Kevin. Kevin:
Not necessarily. Although recent examples do say that it does. At least for his initial commitment out of the Academy. Typically the academies let them go pro if it's an option. They have them do the reserves or something like that to honor their original commitment. But with the way things are, there aren't enough personnel. So they do not let them leave.
"mls would be fine" It's what's wrong with MLS. Pay these kids some money, and I'll guarantee they'll forget about Europe for a few years
http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft...ental-draft-ny-stock-while-tfc-get-top-talent Nearly 4 years later, Durr will at least get a shot to be a professional after being selected 16th by Seattle in today's Supplmental Draft. He closed out an outstanding career at Air force by being named to the '12 NCAA Men's Division I All-West Region Team by the NSCAA. He pitched in 5 goals and 6 assists (19 G; 19 A career) as an attacking MF for the Falcons. Whether or not he makes it at Seattle, Durr will be commissioned as an Officer and will proudly serve our country. That's the biggest honor one will ever have!
There are a few threads for this guy, but this one seems to be updated the latest. ASN reports that KD, who many fans would like to see in DC, has signed with USL expansion Colorado Springs. http://americansoccernow.com/articles/german-american-air-force-officer-pursues-pro-soccer
Months later, it's announced: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC is excited to welcome to the team Air Force Academy Graduate Kevin Durr. http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=209985558
I'd say it's not typical. There was a football player from Army within the last 5 years that was denied being able to go pro even though he would've likely been drafted. However, the army (not sure about other branches) has programs for Olympic sports like track, etc. Basically you're in the army but you just train and compete as an athlete. A couple of guys I ran with went through the program, they were stationed at Fort Collins, CO and were essentially pro athletes.
Kevin is apparently being transferred (by the Air Force) back to Germany, where he might play again: The Air Force lieutenant will be competing in his final home game for the Switchbacks (10-6-7) this season on Sunday, before being transferred to Germany in early September. ... The 6-footer was born and raised in Germany, where his father served in the U.S. Army. ... He hopes to play in Germany where there are far more levels of pro and semipro leagues available that may fit his work schedule better. http://gazette.com/kevin-durr-to-pl...efore-transferring-to-germany/article/1582931