The franchise model is focused around creating revenue streams that support their top tier 16u and 18u clubs (and make the owners money). The more franchises they open, the more money to have the best facilities, the best coaches and the best players - for their top teams. In those orgs, their top national team is full of players not paying a dime. By the time they are at 18, even travel costs are covered - at least for their best players.

I’m not down on somebody making a buck, everyone needs to put food on the table. Just know what you’re getting into. All you are getting is some help getting into tournaments. Maybe. And perhaps some recruiting support. Maybe.

You are not on any type of path to getting on their top squad. You are a means to their ends.