One trend we've noticed internally over the past year: a steady increase in film requests from European academy programs, particularly in Spain, France and the Balkan region, for prospects in our 2009-2011 classes.
This tracks with a broader shift in how those academies recruit — rather than waiting for players to surface at continental tournaments, several clubs now maintain standing relationships with regional scouting services to get earlier looks at younger talent.
For families and clubs in our network, this means earlier and more frequent contact from international programs than in past cycles — something we'll be writing more about as it develops.