I am excited to share Episode 29 of my podcast, a special World Cup edition focusing on the inner workings of MLS academies in North America.

In this episode, I learn about the unique structure of the MLS as a franchiser, and not a league and how that impacts team operations, including the absence of promotion and relegation.

My guest is Trevor Singer, the Academy Scouting Director for D.C. United. Based in Washington D.C., D.C. United is the second most successful club (franchise) in league history and was once home to Wayne Rooney as both a player and head coach.

Trevor provides fascinating insights into the U.S. football (soccer) academy system, comparing it to the UK model. We discuss the complexities of scouting, Parents, The impact of geography and economics on player pathways, and how technology and social m ...