"Soccer is seen by some as an elite sport" ...

SC Soccer

I've read with interest the ODP Questions? thread ... Ironically in the January-February 2008 issue of the Soccer Journal, NSCAA President Al Albert penned an article entitled, "The Future of Soccer" ... The byline underneath this title comments, "Soccer must break out of its suburban boundaries into the urban scene" ... Another line pulled from the text of the article and highlighted on the page says, "Soccer is seen by some as an elite sport".

I'm going to scan this article and upload it tomorrow -- I would be extremely interested in reading your replies.

Quote:

Al Albert

Al Albert serves as the NSCAA's First Vice President. He spent four decades as the men's coach at the College of William & Mary prior to stepping down at the end of the 2003 season with a career record of 401-187-64. He guided his team to six Colonial Athletic Association titles and 12 NCAA appearances, advancing to the quarterfinals on two occasions.

His international experience include serving as head coach of the U.S. team at the 1981 and 1985 Maccabiah Games, earning the silver medal in 1981. A co-founder and current board member of the Virginia Legacy Soccer Club, he also is director and operator of the Tidewater Soccer Camp. Albert has been an NSCAA member since 1970. He currently serves on the NSCAA/adidas All-America committee.

Soccer is very much an urban sport...just not in the US. It's played all over the world in the poorest of cities.

US youth soccer will continue to be considered an elite sport until we get the urban market involved.

Fox Soccer Channel has probably done more to promote the game (at least the professional game) than any other organization out there. Don't underestimate the power of the media. Kids emulate what they see on TV. Basketball's popularity increased dramatically with the televised rise of Bird, Magic & MJ. The explosion/saturation of the NCAA's March Madness tournament also helped.

Get the matches and the stars on TV and the kids may get hooked!

The Future of Soccer (Adobe PDF)
Al Albert, President
National Soccer Coaches Association of America

This article can be found on Page 3, "The President's Corner", of soccer journal -- January/February 2008, Vol. 53, No. 1.

Couldn't agree more!

There are a plethora of outreach opportunities in every area of the state (rural and urban). Many of them, seeking even the most MINIMAL involvement from people with experience.