Shearer,
I do appreciate the comments and the questions you have posed. I believe the Columbia Soccer Club is taking all the necessary steps in becoming "the" premier club in Columbia as well as South Carolina. Yes, GFC and St. Giles, with Chris Barrett and Pierce Tormey, respectfully, have done and are continuing to do a great job. I also feel that there is an excellent talent base of coaches and players here in the Columbia area to challenge any club in SC as well as the southeast. CSC, NESCA, Carolina F.C., Lexington, CRSA, etc...all have excellent coaches and players on staff to challenge any team/club statewide or better. However, the two biggest problems I see is 1) the dilution of the talent pool due to # of clubs and 2) administration/ parents having problems with personalities, opinions, preferences, playing time, etc.the coaches not wanting or pushing for the merger, etc...is a ludicris statement. "We" all know that is what's best for the players and, after all, isn't that what it's all about anyway? Everyone is entitled to their opinion and view, but in order to put Columbia Area Soccer on the map permanently and professionally, some type of combination needs to happen. Whether it starts w/CSC-NECSA, CSC-Carolina F.C., whoever... but, I hope in time all of this will work itself out, but how long does/will it take before we get tired of seeing the upstate hoist title after title. We need to make a unified effort to consistantly challenge for state and regional superiority in club soccer. This is not only great for Columbia area soccer, but it also challenges players and coaches statewide to raise the level of soccer in South Carolina. I feel that if columbia soccer is getting better...it makes greenville soccer better and charleston soccer better, and vice versa.
Again, thank you for your comments and consideration regarding this matter! I look forward to tackling these challenges to establish Columbia Area Soccer as the states' elite! I want to wish everyone the best as we continue this spring club and high school season!
Yours in the Game,
Eddie Crosby
