"The NWSL still lacks a unified academy system, but with the college draft being abolished and combines -- including a youth combine to scout talent as young as 13 -- age is not holding recruitment back as it did in years past. Now, more teams are increasingly identifying young players who can make a difference -- and several already are, in big ways."
"The best of the bunch have already cracked into their senior national teams. Others are tearing it up at the youth international level, or slowly chipping away at growing into their future selves. Several of the stars in the making from last year's U-19 rankings have aged out of this category: U.S. women's national team stars Alyssa Thompson, Jaedyn Shaw and Olivia Moultrie, and Japan international Manaka Matsukubo have all since turned 20."
Teenage signings in the NWSL have become more common as age no longer dominates recruitment decisions. The league still lacks a unified academy system, but the abolition of the college draft and the introduction of combines, including a youth combine that scouts players as young as 13, have accelerated youth identification. Clubs are ranking and tracking every player 19 and under, including those on loans. Some teenagers have already reached senior national teams, while others shine at youth international levels. Several prospects from last year have aged out, and loan moves like Matthews' stint in Spain aim to provide crucial playing time.
Read at ESPN.com
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