Actually, I was slightly mistaken -- I was referring to the one in NY. The one in Arizona is a residency program, but they just purchased a pre-existing club in Arizona that was already part of the US Soccer Academy system. Remains to be seen how they do, but without a direct link to La Masia, not sure they are going to draw kids from a very big area.
They purchased the academy facilities, based on what the article says.
I'm sure they will become a part of the USSDA. They probably will want to play games.
It's Barcelona. They aren't going to put their real name and money into an academy and make it second rate.
Btw, even if they did partner with some of those same coaches, is that so bad? Look at how many good young players came through that facility in its short time.
I think it's a bit hopeful to present it as some bullshit effort. This isn't a partnership. This is a Barca academy in the US.
It should light a fire under the MLS collective ass, but I don't think it's a bad thing to have Barcelona entrenched in the US.
1. It's a big country and even if every MLS/USL/NASL team had a first-rate academy, there will still be a lot of talent slipping through the cracks. This just helps to cultivate all of it.
2. Pretty sure that unless the kids have dual citizenship, Barcelona won't be able to sign any of these kids early because of the work laws of the US and Europe. I guess they could sign them, but they won't be playing in Spain without some legal help. How compelling would that be - a club-tied player that has no place to play without being loaned out?
3. Those players that do excel in their system will only help our NT. Having Americans that are as equally talented as those out of Spain will kinda be awesome.
4. Supporting your point - MLS better try to hoard as much talent as possible as the product on the field and a commodity to trade/transfer.
1. Barca residency with private schooling or subway 2 hours and whatever school is around? Just an example. But point Barca. If they get their pick first because they choose not to be bound by bullshit, it's absolutely detrimental to NYC and every other club. Every Debbie Harrison in NYC will have their little Jacks on the next flight to Phoenix.
2. They will get first dibs. They can sign whomever they want. They get a fee for selling on. There is no downside re Europe faced by kids there that isn't faced by those in MLS. In fact, Barca certainly has more clout to get 18 year olds sold or loan minutes most anywhere in the world. MLS clubs don't.
3. Of course. Doesn't help grow the league to have top talent have an even better and easier path out by ignoring MLS academies.
4. This is the logical point all of your other points lead to, so they better get a move on.
And also, Fred was wrong as hell in his first post on the topic. It's almost like he didn't read what they are actually doing beforehand. Then he did, and walked it all back.