Re: American info needed

Soulza, there is definitely a pro sports for junior and highschoolers that is called “Select” leagues that are not aligned with academics.  These are pay to play leagues and they are called Select because they require the kids to try out and qualify.  Membership is very expensive and oftentimes driven by the parents.  Games are all over the States so travel becomes an issue — but the expectation is you pay/play or you get kicked off.  very competitive.  It is often said that being on a Select team is a requirement for moving into Junior Varsity/Varsity High School play then on to college play.   BUT, these select teams are not followed by the local towns or papers — especially in Texas we follow the Junior- and High School football teams and build stadiums to match the size of Texas.  I just read of a new stadium going up close to Dallas that is running the town $60 million dollars.  For High School football.

There are football and baseball select leagues and I believe soccer as well.  Could be others.

Then as Heavy says there are after college leagues like the semi-pros, and I have seen older guys playing in what are called “Farm Clubs” in baseball (the Pro team can call up a player from a farm club) because they love to play but they know they are not good enough for the pros.  There is arena football that is strictly indoors and follows rules that are football-like but more suited to what one runs into in an enclosed arena.  Softball is one that is pretty big for us older folks – and it gets very competitive.