U.S. Soccer and chief operating officer Dan Helfrich
Wednesday
U.S. Soccer is developing a broad plan to challenge and rebuild the country’s youth system, targeting affordability, coaching, infrastructure and organisational alignment. Officials acknowledged that the current pay-to-play structure restricts access and reduces the available talent pool.
The federation has launched a Soccer in Schools initiative and is exploring new funding, coach-development and community pathways. Officials want clubs, governments, schools, sponsors and donors involved, although many proposed reforms still require agreement and detailed execution.