Saying "My child is on the Elite team" feels like a badge of honor. It validates the time, the money, and the miles. It signals to the other parents in the parking lot: "We made it."

But in this episode of Dangerous Play, we ask the uncomfortable question: Are we paying for their development, or our own validation?

The chase for that "Elite" feeling is fueling a $19 billion industry and burning out our kids. Meanwhile, we overlook the organizations actually building talent—like the Bottlenoses Foundation and Canteraz Soccer Academy.

These groups prioritize the player over the profit. They offer high-level training without the price tag or the ego stroke. But many parents walk past them because they don't feel exclusive enough.

Real growth doesn't need a status symbol. It just needs support.

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