Sorry, MLS, but Freddy Probably Isn’t Ready

I cannot believe that a 14-year-old child has been signed up to play soccer for D.C. United. I think there should be age requirements in professional sports so that children are not allowed to play on an adult team. I wonder if Major League Soccer officials or Freddy Adu’s parents have thought of the psychological effects that Freddy may encounter while playing soccer for and against teams primarily made up of adults.

Adu will be playing this aggressive sport against men much bigger than himself. Did anyone think of the dangers or risks of injury that may come with having a child play soccer with grown men? I think it is terrible that our society is so greedy for money and entertainment that children are now being asked, or actually forced, to play professional sports with adults.

Deborah J. Redderson

Northridge