WHO's LOOKING OUT FOR THE HEALTH OF SOCCER?

       It is now 2002, and we are facing the contraction of MLS and the A-League.  Our indoor league, the MISL, is operating with only 6 teams.  Fortunately they have announced the merger with the WISL that operates on the west coast. But many things still seem in flux.  While our Men’s National Team is heading to their fourth consecutive World Cup, they are under great pressure to outdo their poor performance in France 1998.  Our U-17 and U-20 National teams underachieved in both respective World Championships.  But we are also witnessing a time of abundant young talent.  So if we compile all this together, what would be our overall diagnosis?  And who, by the way, is looking out for the health of soccer in America?

Magazines like Soccer America and Soccer Digest report on various aspects of the American game.   Numerous websites host soccer chats.  But no one seems to be gauging nor determining the health of the game.    We are 8 years away from the 2010 project goal which seeks to place us in contention to win the World Cup.  We are also in the 7^th year of, not only Major League Soccer, but divisional pro league play.   So there ought to be someone monitoring the health of our game.  

        What we need is something akin to the State of the Union address to be delivered at least bi-annually, if not at the end of every year!  We need a comprehensive and official statement that lets us know the progress we are making as an entire soccer nation.  If we are to improve as a nation, then we will need aggressive and creative leadership with clearly stated goals and plans to fulfill such goals.  The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the official leader of the game, and we should not only expect, but demand leadership.        

        Back in 1993, USSF held a strategic summit to chart the development of the game.  And since then they have incorporated various efforts such as project 2010 and the youth residency camps.  But how are we to judge the progress of our results.  We need an official statement, that lets us know the perceived progress of our leaders: An official statement that lets all of us in the rank and file know our roles and our goals.

        What for instance does USSF have to say about the MLS contraction and financial troubles?  Has it said anything about the state of the professional game?  And how does that relate to the development of the youth game?  Those who read the report written by Carlos Queiroz back in 1998, will remember that he spoke of these exact things - namely the unification of all of our leagues and levels, if not in actuality, then at least in direction.  Quieroz may not have been regarded as a successful MLS coach, but his insight concerning player development was, and still is, invaluable.

Certainly the merger of the two indoor leagues bodes well for the unification effort.  Has anyone in USSF or anywhere else encouraged this merger as a positive move in American soccer development?  As we all know, stable, professional leagues are necessary not only as a vehicle to develop young adult players, but also as models for the youth players.  Therefore, USSF needs to do anything in its power to help promote stability amongst all the ranks.  Moreover, if project 2010 is for real, than it should continuously be addressed and promoted.  Perhaps it is time the President of USSF makes a yearly State of the Union address!  By the way, when is the last time anyone has heard from the President of USSF?  I don’t even remember his name…Dr. Bob or something…?!?!!!!!!!