Congestion on the Pitch: Growth and Conflict in Georgia Youth Soccer

Abstract This article uses youth soccer in Georgia, a state traditionally dominated by American football, as a case study of the challenges of the American youth sports system as a mechanism for talent development. We trace the historical divergence of US youth sports from global models, emphasizing the inefficiencies of school-based athletics and the rise of privatized club systems. Through historical analysis and interviews, the study reveals how socioeconomic barriers, geographic disparities, and competing league structures hinder equitable access and talent development. The pay-to-play model exacerbates exclusion, particularly for minority and low-income families. Georgia’s case reflects broader national trends, where market-driven youth sports systems prioritize elite experiences over inclusive development.