THREAD. Observation on US Soccer closing the Development Academy: Likely, this prevents non-MLS or USL youth clubs from getting training compensation or solidarity. Under the FIFA RSTP, both payments are only available to “clubs...” #ussoccer #Academy #mls #usl

FIFA statutes define “clubs” as “member of an association (that is also a member association of FIFA) or a member of a league recognized by a member association that enters at least one team in a competition...” #ussoccer #mls #usl

The USSF doesn't provide for clubs to become independent members. So membership in a recognized league is the youth clubs' only route. The Academy used to serve this function. W/O that, at least for now, the youth clubs would not have a way to establish themselves as “clubs..."

And so they would not have a way to meet an essential requirement for TC or solidarity. #fifa #ussoccer #mls #usl #ussda

MLS and USL teams would not have the same problem because their parent clubs are part of recognized leagues, and the RSTP allows TC and solidarity from players who registered with affiliates (like youth and reserve teams). #ussoccer #usl #mls #fifa

Now, if the USSF allowed clubs to become independent members of the federation...