As you may well know, the French professional development system is reputed to be the best in the world right now. I'd suggest hooking up with a PDL club first unless you KNOW (and others agree) you're good enough to play at the A-League level. Most PDL clubs would be willing to take you on in the next month or two. Make a good enough impression and you will get on the radar screens of larger clubs. Most of the new players in MLS the last year or two have played at least a year or two in the PDL, in addition to college ball.
If you've never been a full professional, you could even parlay some good PDL play into a university footy scholarship. Under that scenario, at least your life, if not your pocketbook, will be richer. However, if you employ an agent, you lose the university option. Considering the money you might earn at the PDL level, employing an agent would be overkill.
If you're in the Chicago area, e-mail the CFR:
Diana Salisbury- Asst. General Manager - diana@firereserves.com
Bonne chance.
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West El Willy