I've already spent too much time on this, as have we all. Last post on the subject...
Chico, no bad facts on my part unless you intentionally distort what I said. For example, I see you as a CESA advocate. So when I refer to your backyard i would think most people know I mean the upstate and not where Chico lives. If you want to use things like this as an example of my playing fast and loose with the facts, well what can I say.
To me it boils down to this: this was either done to help underpriveledged kids or it was done to improve CESA's competitve position regionally, i.e. attract top level players.
Helping underprivledged kids is a fabulous endeavor. But there are kids like this everywhere. Unless you can tell me with absolute certainty that 95% of the kids in the Upstate that want to play soccer but can't because of money....are already being taken care of, then I think CESA should take care of them first. Every Club has scholarship programs and 10% is a reasonable number. CESA seems to be in this ballpark and thats good, but its not as if they're doubling everyone else.
Second, if its being done for competitve reasons I understand that too and applaud CESA for pushing the edge. I would encourage their leadership to continue on and look for additional ways to achieve the same end. Partnerships, alliances....are the way to go. They got their hand slapped this time....so what? Keep pushing.
My only reason in getting into this was to say I didn't understand all the negativity toward the Columbia CLubs opposing this. I'm not anti anyone in this deal....I understand CESA, I understand why th COLA CLubs reacted as they did.
Chico, you are a passionate dude about the game. Despite our disagreements I respect that, as well as your committment to the kids. Hopefully we'll see you on the pitch someday....
