Project 4,000
August 28, 2006
For the past couple of posts I have been focusing on the importance of youth development systems for the US to be able to compete on the global stage. Last week I may have been a bit harsh on MLS, being that it is only 11 years old stating in my headline MLS’ non-impact on US Soccer or was I? I know the league has made positive strides for soccer in this country but, that does not mean I nor you should forget that the league has had over a decade to ignite some serious youth development opportunities in the local franchise markets, some have and some have not. I am glad the league is where it is today with investors vying for the opportunity to grab the limited franchises left. More importantly, the league understands pretty clearly that from a business standpoint their own facilities are a must to succeed, especially with adjoined youth facilities.
Yes, I know, it is easy to sit here and yak however; I would not be doing so with out some action behind the talk. Since 1998, outside of my professional paying job, I have a non-profit soccer complex development charity for which we organized to build much needed soccer specific facilities in San Antonio, TX. We have 42 acres, which now consists of 12 fields and a clubhouse under construction. We unfortunately are still not done because the six or so of us that are involved do not make a dime in this and have begged borrowed but never have stolen to help build the facility. And, we have one great man who has given his life to this project and we would not be where we are today without Mike Dennis . Forgive our site and the plug, all the money goes toward the maintenance and development of fields.
So back to professional youth development discussion, we need it in a major way! Moreover, we need MLS to be a major contributer to the need and we all must voice this for the future of our youth today. Project 40 is no longer acceptable, it had its time and place but we need to raise the bar in order to get better as a country. If kids have the passion, desire and determination and given the opportunity we could have a serious US National Team problem on our hands - who do we pick? Given the participation levels in the US, we should seriously be fielding several National Teams. If the reported 3.2 million USYSA registered players, at less than 1%, had the opportunity to receive professional instruction early and were allowed to blossom, watch out world. I think we should be discussing Project 4,000 now especially when other professional clubs are locating here preparing to export talent when it could be home grown.
Speaking of homegrown, I would really like to commend Brad Friedel for his vision by getting Premier Soccer Academies up and running. We need at least 49 more of these facilities — at least one in each state — and we would be the World’s Futbol powerhouse. Next week I plan to take a look at some of the successes attributed to National Teams based on Professional Youth Development Academies so stay tunned.
Brad, wanna buy 42 acres in Texas - seriously?
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