Well the way It worked for my friends was that kids are spotted through the school leagues or through football in the community schems and join "the acadamy". I think these are for kids between 8-16. Then they are assessed whether they get a professional contract at 17 or if they are released to go to pastures new.
Throughout this time you go through you standard avenues of study (Maths, English, Science History, PE etc.) and most footballers I assume take up PE at GCSE.
I had several friends throughout primary school were scouted by Wednesday/Sheff U/ Leeds. None of them made it any higher up than the Conference North as of yet.
PS: I love the MLS system (avec salary cap and rules [3 senior internationals etc]) and it will pay off in the future for the national team.
In reverse my friend has a scholorship in America (for a football team)
