The US Soccer Federation will end its controversial under-12s programme, starting from the 2019-20 season. Instead, 12-year olds will be looked after by the youth club system, while player development initiatives will be introduced to replace the U12 scheme. Under this new model, players aged 13 and under can play for their local clubs in a variety of age-group competitions including U-14, U-16 and U-18 levels.
The US Soccer Federation will end its controversial under-12s programme, starting from the 2019-20 season. Instead, 12-year olds will be looked after by the youth club system, while player development initiatives will be introduced to replace the U12 scheme. The programme has been criticised, described as a mill for sports diplomas that can translate into lucrative college scholarships.