Europe vs College Soccer...

go99 wrote:

my2cents wrote:

go99 wrote:

Sprint wrote:I may be wrong, but it was my understanding you cannot get a work permit to play pro soccer in Europe unless you have a direct relative that is a EU Citizen ( Mother, Father, Grandparent). That will make it virtually impossible for most American kids to ever get a chance to play in Europe.

I have read there is an exception that if you start 75% of the games for your countries national team over a 3 year period, they will give you a work permit, but otherwise, you are stuck playing MLS, MExico or South America.


As to what to do if your kid has the chance, I see it as a no brainer. If he wants to do it at age 18 or so, why not go? He can always go to college after a few years of giving it a go in Europe. As long as he does not get attached to a girl and start having kids, (keeps costs low), I would tell him to chase the dream.

You are correct on the EU work permit. That is why the MLS should embrace it's role as a developmental league. There should be alot more younger players playing. Oh and Dempseys age absolutely hurt him. Top EPL goal scorer gets almost no offers on a transfer. Had he been younger he would have had a big money deal

I am a little confused. How would the MLS be a developmental league if the majority of players would not be eligible for a work permit in Europe? Is this a government rule? More info please. I find it difficult to believe all the internationals in the EPL have immediate relations in Britain.

Much in the same way Brazil is a developmental league

My point is that under those rules it would seem very few would be eligible to play. Most people of European descent in the states are 4th or more generations from the last major emigrations to this country. It would eliminate even more Latinos and African-Americans. It is not much of a developmental league if only 10-15% ( complete guess) of the players are even eligible to be considered.

England is a member of the EU. So, there are no restrictions on European players playing in England. (Although I think now there is a limit on EPL rosters.)

Also bear in mind that most European countries had former colonies in the Caribbean and Africa. So those players can often get work permits or otherwise claim immigrant status.

The Netherlands and Belgium do not have the limits on foreign players some other EU nations have.

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that the top college players (especially freshmen) would certainly be good enough for a typical European academy setup.

Speaking of college soccer, last night's Akron vs St. John's game was actually enjoyable to watch. They kept the ball on the ground and actually strung passes together.

There were also favorable comments by the announcers on the # of Tyler JC players that were doing well at the top programs.