Question for all you fans...

[Boyer]

Hey guys.

I'm an American who's always had a passion for soccer, and just recently have started following ManU (and don't worry, I didn't become a fan because of David Beckham). I've always been really interested in the Premiership, and the more I've watched games, the more I've liked the style of play of MU.

That being said, I had a question for all you who wish to respond. Being an American, and becoming accustomed to the system implemented by the MLS, the first thing I noticed is the lack of youth development for each individual MLS team. Sure, America has youth leagues and squads, but they aren't directly affiliated with teams in the MLS.

My question is, when youth players are signed to contracts by English squads, do they receive schooling? Does Manchester United have the kids go to school, between playing soccer in the morning and the late afternoon? It may seem like a silly question to you all, and it very well may be, but I'm curious, and haven't been able to find any information on it.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I'm an expert, because I'm not. I simply love the game and would like to know more about the system on the other side of the pond. I appreciate your help, and hopefully I can contribute somewhat to the board in the future.

[ManUtd R16]

Just like you, I'm an American and no expert on the European youth system. But I have noticed something: in the U.S., most of the professional athletes actually went to college. Such is the American philosophy that an all-rounded education is for everyone. On the other hand, professional footballers with a college degree are virtually unheard of, or at least very uncommon, in Europe. If you play football, you focus your attention on playing football and you don't worry too much about academics. I'm not saying school-aged boys don't go to school. I'm sure they do, until the age they're required to, but football is their life once they choose to become a professional footballer.

Once again, the above was just my personal impression based on things I hear. Please do correct me though if it doesn't reflect the reality.

[denver_mugwamp]

The English teams have youth programs and generally take players as apprentices at 14 or 15. In the old days, this was often the end of their education and those players who didn't make it professionally ended up in low-end jobs. These days (I have been told at least) that these apprentices are expected to continue their education and take their college exams. Again, this is second-hand information.

You can expect US teams to have reserve teams like the English system within a few years. (Or so they say.) Currently, there is a youth deveopment program in Bradenton, FL which has 30 or 40 of the best US players. The players attend a fairly good private schol and many gradulate early. The very best go immediately to the MLS. The players who go immediately to the MLS are guaranteed a college edulaction by the league. Most of the others go on to college. But yes, there is a much greater focus on education in the US. I don't know of any other countries where a young man or woman can trade their athletic ability for a $100,000+ college scholarship.

[Ticles]

basically, the law here in England is that teenagers must attend school until the age of 16, when they take their GCSE exams. From here, they can either stay in school to take their A-Level exams at 18, or give up on school and get a job. From what I understand, most of the players in the English youth systems drop out after their GCSEs and become full time footballers, although I'd assume that some would stay in school to take their A-Levels. For a footballer to go to University (or college) is very rare...