Fewer games, more quality training. I like the concept. Anybody else have an opinion on this?

http://publications.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=22149

It looks like a great idea. Here in Canada (Ontario more so) When a player is picked by the province to train all winter long for 7 months. They are not allowed to do anything else. It does cuase some problems within the club system, and it allows for super teams to develope as after 7 months of the best players playing together, they seem to gravatate to the same team. This are some of the issues.

GD

While quality training is great, the game is the best teacher. Soccer in the US will never really compete with the top countries until we have kids who play as much as possible. Drive by any basketball court and there are always people out there.

You are bang on. Soccer here in Canada is too structured. Not leaving room for self expression. Here in Canada , like your basketball courts. You can see kids in every hood playing street hockey till all hours. Some of the great coachs from my neck of the woods, always end a session with at least 45 min of scrimage, with no interference from any adult.