Benny's dad (2000 boy) used to post on the regular basis, including when they were with Barca prior to the FIFA ban. His story was discussed many times - mostly in the 99-00 boys forum. Everything from when he was invited by Barca, to moving, to what the parents had to do, to how the training was going. Its too bad the old forum is wiped out...
I think its harsh to dismiss the whole saga to say "I'm a little sad for him in that his family seems to have sacrifice so much for what?......If anything, I would say, in my opinion, he probably made the jump way too early. I see burnout."
When he came back to US, he was at the USSF U17 residency in FL and after turning 16, he returned to Europe to pursue his dream.
So I guess what you're saying is that don't bother chasing your dreams and parents are crazy to support their child because the outcome is predetermined and its all for not.
I have no idea if Benny will or will not become a 1st division professional but from a life perspective, you're young only once and the no matter what anyone may says, time is the most precious thing in life. One can always goto school, but for any elite athlete, the window of opportunity is very small and who wants to live rest of their lives wondering "what if".....