Under the "collegiate" model, used in the US, most promising young athletes attend a college, and compete in inter-collegiate sport, for example, in the NCAA. They are not paid, but may earn money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, and often receive scholarships from colleges. They are required to complete at least some college classes. High schoolers do not play collegiate sport.
Under the "club" model, used in Europe, promising young athletes sign to a professional club. They may compete as part of the club, in one of their academy teams in lower tier European leagues, and may be loaned out to other clubs. They are paid a salary. Players often sign with clubs well before they turn 18.