Marcos: The SYL has teams that are much broader in geographical scope, and because of that, they play at a higher level. Even the current number of super leagues in the country is localized in terms of their members. The SYL is organized on a regional level, so as to include only the very top teams within a limited geographical area.

Weibe: Again, I would like to reiterate that the SYL is designed specifically for the elite level player. Hence, the expanded roster sizes, no recruiting restrictions and the club pass system. This will not be available within other national youth associations such as US Youth Soccer and AYSO. Their programs are focused on the majority, recreation soccer, instead of the elite level player. The Super Y-League is structured in such a way that it can quickly mold itself to be what it needs to be over time.

Some of the regional leagues operated by other youth organizations consist of three or four mini-tournaments for their league season. The SYL is a week in - week out league. A heavy importance is focused on home and away series, for competitive reasons. We want to promote quality play rather than overplay. An extended league format is a better alternative for these players because it does not overload their play. The number of quality matches without overloading a player is the most important aspect to player development.

Why will the SYL help spotlight players who might be missed by the current system?

Marcos: There has been considerable discussion about players who somehow have been missed by the current system of identifying top national team prospects. The regional structure of the SYL will enable teams to scour their own areas for the best players, who then will be put in a position where they can showcase their talents on a regional / national stage.

Weibe: There will be more opportunities for players that play in the SYL at the National Team, professional or amateur levels. The SYL has already seen players that have moved on to the National Team Program over the past three years. In addition, some players have been called into camp with clubs like Benfica and Leicester City. By bringing the top one percent of the players together at the peak of the development pyramid, we increase the amount of exposure that players will have with National Team and professional clubs, domestic and foreign. The SYL enjoys a fantastic relationship with U.S. Soccer, and we hope to build on this relationship for future programs.

What will be the impact on the Olympic Development Program (ODP)?

Marcos: Participation in the SYL does not keep players from competing in major national select programs. The difference with the SYL is that it is the player making the ultimate choice where he plays, not league administrators and coaches. In the case of states where there are Super Teams already competing, the USL would try to incorporate those teams into the league on a regional basis. For example, there might be 8-12 regional leagues (following as closely as possible those regions already established by US Youth Soccer) with teams competing against each other within the region. League winners would advance to tournament play. The SYL not only fully supports the national ODP program, but also will institute a policy that allows flexibility for players who have been selected for ODP programs.

Weibe: The best thing that we have now for identifying players in the United States is the Olympic Developmental Program. I am sure that the soccer community will agree that the ODP system can become better. The SYL can certainly accentuate the process for player identification at the State and Regional levels. I think the SYL will become a part of the ODP process due to our increasing success.