I came across an argument on the facebook boards complaining about, on the boys side, professional showcases put on by some clubs, in this particular case one put on by SoCal elite for the LA Galaxy and some Mexican academies. All the following can be true about them at the same time:
1. If your kid is not in MLS Next (SoCal Elite is not MLS Next, at least not currently), they probably aren't good enough to play pro side.
2. If they were playing MLS Next, the scouts would have the opportunity to find them
3. That's it's a money grab for the club and a way to raise the club's profile by offering the opportunity, especially to its members at a discount
4. That there are kids that get tapped by "that someone in the crowd" and that do make it.
5. That coaches and scouts, because they need to justify their salaries, do go to these events as promised and are on the look out for unexpected talent/diamonds in the rough that could advance their own careers
6. That the odds of being selected as such a diamond in the rough for a trial are very small, and of progressing beyond the trial are even smaller.
7. Buyer should beware and get what they are being sold. Don't complain later you were misled because the only they they promised is a look, which they very graciously arranged (at however substantial a price).
The only real basis to complain about these is when an organizer over promises (if there in fact aren't the scouts that show that they say will show).