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Jim Davidson, the popular coach of Broomfield soccer — both the boys and girls programs — has been watching the evolvement of the game. He, too, has concerns about the direction it’s headed.

A couple of years ago, U.S. Soccer discouraged participation in high-school soccer in favor of virtually year-long play through academies, a move that remains controversial.

“They want to go to that European model,” he said. “I could give you a million reasons why it’s good and a million reasons why kids should also play high-school soccer.”

Ultimately, Davidson said, “for the elite-level kid, it’s probably a good thing … but I don’t think we have enough boys to justify three academy-level teams (in the state).”

There will be a similar program push for females beginning in 2018.

“Soccer is very good here and exceptional on the girls side,” he said. “Look at the number of players going to play D-I.”

Davidson has seen both — kids roaming Broomfield halls doubling in preps and club, and others who purposely stay away from the high-school pitch.

He says the jury remains out.

“Is it serving the best interests of the kids in our country?” Davidson wondered. “We shall see.”