Solutions for SOCCER in the USA (Part 1)
Monday, 07 January 08, 10:55 AM
If you walk around almost every lower class neighborhood in Los Angeles (and I imagine that this might happen in many other big cities in the USA) you will see a soccer field or a park with kids and teenagers of different backgrounds playing soccer.
As right now I'm still recovering from my ACL surgery all I can do is sit and watch them play. But standing by the side-line it's possible to see a lot of talented young teens that could've already been scouted by the MLS teams but that's something you can forget about.
The 2008 season is going to start in March and on the MLS Official Website one can already find news about the College draft that will give the teams the chance to pick the new talents from Universities from all over the country. I've always admired this school-oriented way that the American sports have to stimulate the students/athletes to pursuit their dreams while studying. I wish I had that chance when I was younger BUT I also believe that it would be a great advantadge for the league and for the evolution of soccer in the US to have a stronger scouting program.
The teams do promote tryouts but what kid, from Compton, Inglewood, Echo Park, South Central... will pay about $150 bucks for ONE day of tryouts???
Most of these talented kids that I've seen have hispanic backgrounds and are not even legal in the country. They come here with their parents to work VERY hard to give their family a better opportunity and they play an important role in the American society and economy.
And what is the most important for our subject here: THEY LOVE SOCCER!!!
So, why can't the MLS Teams get out of their comfortable zone and send some scouts out there. Make them go to the ghettos, (not only to the fancy suburbs) and bring some more passion into the league?
It's just an idea... What do you think?
Anyway... I'll get back to this subject soon!
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I understand your point. But not all of those kids are interested in the "big 3". And as a matter of fact (and I say that using my experience as a High School coach) these kids are willing to embrace the opportunities. Some of them join gangs, some of them will work in restaurants and some of them would definetly be thrilled if someone offered them a chance to try for a profesional soccer club.
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ManoGil
Los Angeles, US
Strong opinions about everything surrounding the beautiful game. No matter if you call it Football, Soccer, Fútbol, Futebol, Calcio, Fußball, Футбол, Voetbal, サッカー This is the beautiful game and I'll be talking about it!
- No.11 -
You’re tired of fighting in pubs and need a safer environment with more mates. Argue on OleOle – get hurt less.
3 Comments
I agree. There are a lot of good kids playing in High Schools in the poor areas but the scouts only visit the suburbs. That's stupid! Nice post
How do you get these poor kids who may also excel in american football, basketball and baseball in the US (the big 3) to give futbol a second look with all the money that goes into the big 3.
Just a question