In terms of soccer IQ, speed of play and technical ability I think my kid is ready. However, my concern is that she is too small and is going to get hurt. We are proceeding cautiously until she gets some size on her.
I apologize for not being clear. There are athletic anglo girls-the USWNT, tennis, and swimming have several.
Interesting take when comparing OM to AS. Would have liked for the article to also detail the differences between the parents and their backgrounds to give more back story to how the paths are different / similar. Thanks for the share @LASTMAN14
but she is u14. so it takes two/three years older for her to blend that is pretty darn good
Yes. As has JH in Canada. 16/17 is a more appropriate age to be making the pro/college decision (Pugh, Horan, etc.). No need to take options off the table until a decision must be made (H.S. graduation). That's just sound business advice 101. Have confidence in your skills and ability. The money will be there. Especially if you're going to be "the best in the World."
Didn't even think about Whitecaps having a girls program. Wonder why they don't play DA similar to the boys side?
How do you know the money will be there? Injuries happen. Abilities fade - especially with puberty. If the question is over taking a little money now and forgoing college, that would be a mistake in my book, but this is not what's happening here. Sound business advice 101 is pretty clear. If you are offered a deal at the age of 13 that pays more than your college tuition, do it. You literally have nothing to lose.
Actually, you "literally" are losing something...free college and the ability to play college soccer. Yes, players can go to college later but it won't be free. So, in order to come out ahead financially, your deal needs to be worth well more than 4years of college in AFTER tax dollars (subtract 40-50%). That might be the right choice for some who don't plan to go to college. I just think most prudent (and rationale) parents put off that decision until it has to be made...at 17/18 years old. Alex Morgan reportedly earns $3MM/year in endorsement deals from a MULTITUDE of companies, not just Nike. Coke, McDonald's, Nationwide, etc. If her Nike deal is worth $500K annually then other USWNT player Nike deals are likely in the $250-300K range. That means this deal is likely $100-$200K. After tax that's $70-140K. Parents are doing this deal not for the money (they look financially secure in their self-promo videos), but for the added clickbait and PR for their child. Sounds like the kid just wants to play soccer...you go girl. The parents, however, are motivated by other desires.
I do not think it is about the money. I think it’s about putting her in an environment where she can maximize her potential.
All reporting I've seen has said that the deal is worth more than college tuition - which is why I see it as a no brainer.
Except that she isn't "going pro" in the sense of joining a pro team. Her environment isn't changing. She's still playing in a regular DA (though a couple of years up), exactly the same as if she were amateur. She's turning pro in the sense of getting paid by Nike to endorse their products.
