MariamMLS Adjusts Foreign Player Rule
In a move to advance the quality of players on MLS teams, the board of director and Commissioner have approved a measure to increase the number of foreign players on a team too eight.
In the past the number has stood at seven, with the stipulation of four players being "senior," and three players being "youth." With the adjustment to eight players there will no required "split" in the number of players from each age group.
As the MLS continues to grow, there is the realization that the availability of domestic players may not be able to keep up with the demand. When San Jose joins the league this year, there will be 14 teams, with two additional teams joining in 2009, and another 2 by 2010 - leading up to an 18 team league.
While there is speculation that the lack of domestic talent will bring doubt as to whether the MLS can contend with the rapid growth, as well as maintain it. The Commissioner and Board or Directors, in looking at the possibilities of losing the momentum, made the decision to increase the numbers of foreign players to increase the playing field during this time.
While the focus with this decision may be on the availability of foreign players, maintaining the number at eight, leaves the teams with a roster of 20 domestic players - leaving the focus on U.S. talent.
In order to advance the domestic player pool, as it is referred too - youth programs, as well as high school and college programs need to be looked at more closely and players looked at for advancement. There is a lot of talent there, but without the right training and advancement opportunities the players may not be available.
For now, foreign players, such as David Beckham, will bring the fans and skeptics to the game, it will take more than a big name to keep it going.
In the past the number has stood at seven, with the stipulation of four players being "senior," and three players being "youth." With the adjustment to eight players there will no required "split" in the number of players from each age group.
As the MLS continues to grow, there is the realization that the availability of domestic players may not be able to keep up with the demand. When San Jose joins the league this year, there will be 14 teams, with two additional teams joining in 2009, and another 2 by 2010 - leading up to an 18 team league.
While there is speculation that the lack of domestic talent will bring doubt as to whether the MLS can contend with the rapid growth, as well as maintain it. The Commissioner and Board or Directors, in looking at the possibilities of losing the momentum, made the decision to increase the numbers of foreign players to increase the playing field during this time.
While the focus with this decision may be on the availability of foreign players, maintaining the number at eight, leaves the teams with a roster of 20 domestic players - leaving the focus on U.S. talent.
In order to advance the domestic player pool, as it is referred too - youth programs, as well as high school and college programs need to be looked at more closely and players looked at for advancement. There is a lot of talent there, but without the right training and advancement opportunities the players may not be available.
For now, foreign players, such as David Beckham, will bring the fans and skeptics to the game, it will take more than a big name to keep it going.
