Is the PDL a failed model and should it be scrapped? It sounds great on paper, but the only people who benefit from this system are the college players who get extra playing time during their 'offseason' from college ball. These players have very little loyalty to the PDL club and understandably they see the league as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. What I'm saying is that there is very little upside for the PDL in regards to developing players. If a players does well in the PDL and gets noticed by a MLS or foreign club what does the PDL club in return? Nothing or next to nothing. I just don't see the PDL model working and I think it should be scrapped.

the PDL is no different then most, if not all the summer collegiate baseball leagues (Alaska League (Cape Cod League, Coastal Plain League etc) or really the Canadian Jr Hockey system (though that is a million times more organized). It's ALL about giving players a chance to play in the off season and getting the noticed.

How much loyalty do most people have to their current jobs when they are in their early 20s ?

Most people see themselves better off in their careers, so athletes cannot be singled out as a lone example.

PDL works fine, it provides an entry into this great game for many people who would not get to see the sport live as their area cannot carry a D2 or better team.

My point is that its not a sustainable league beyond the charity of the owners to keep it going from year-to-year. There may be a few exceptions to this (i.e. Des Moines, Fresno), but for the most part from a business standpoint the PDL is a failed enterprise. There is very little incentive for owners to fork over $30-50K every season just to develop players for others to benefit from.

Because they love soccer, want to run a club, and don't have the money to go go pro?

Before we scrap the league with the highest number of new owners signing up to join, what would the PDL look like, in your opinion, if it was working?

I don't know. The college players for the Metros don't usually end up going elsewhere in the PDL to play. If they do leave the club, it is to play professionally in a higher division. (Then again, with the level of play in Nashville the last few years, I'm not sure other clubs would be looking for our players. ) There can be a certain level of loyalty in the PDL, particularly if the club treats its players well.

The one thing that is bothersome is the fact that the PDL club gets nothing when one of their own moves up. Don't know that anything can be done about it though.

Think Bosman. Think how trades don't happen as much as they used to and how many more players are acquired as free agents.

Think MLS, which tries desperately to save money on US-based acquisitions.

Thinking there's a real transfer market in America for soccer players is fool's gold. For that to ever happen, America needs two Peles, a Cruyff, and a thousand Lampards.

A thousand Lampards, or one Steve Gerrard.

The PDL set up certainly isn't perfect but there's other options out there, so no one's forced to join the league or stay with the league.

By my count there are currently three other options for clubs... NPSL, PCSL, FESL and a fourth option coming next season.