re: Can someone explain to me why our youth system is bad?

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Also focus on immigrant and 2nd-3rd generation. Then focus on suburb kids and finally, the so-called urban demographic. I'm AA, but I also realize that last group will be highly resistant to playing soccer as oppose to football/basketball.

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I see it changing, albeit slowly. We have a good many AA in our club, and the majority are very good athletes who benefit from the additional touches on the ball and good coaching. Granted, the main draw remains football and basketball.

My kid had two AA players on his REC team years ago. One was extremely coordinated and fast, and was playing QB on a REC football team at the time. That kid is now a full time soccer player.

But regardless of the demographic, that kid has the same limited opportunities as my kids. Even if kids are nominated for a PDP and the parents choose to undertake the time and expense for some level of potential further development, the end game is still probably JUCO/community college sports or small private college, or nothing at all. I have no problem with that as a parent... I'm raising kids, not professional athletes. I'm just stating the obvious as it pertains to the overall youth system.