This weekend I head over to Philadelphia to attend the annual NSCAA Convention. The Convention (National Soccer Coaches of America Association) has been going for close to 50 years, and it has grown substantially every year. Not to sound like an old codger, but I remember when there were only about 700 coaches and a handful of exhibitors in attendance. Today, there are well over 7500 coaches in attendance, and hundreds of exhibitors. The growth of the game in the US--while seemingly recent--has been ongoing for many years.
Reusch will be exhibiting (as we always do--Dave is a charter member of the NSCAA) at the Show, and the highlight of our products will be the new Reusch RE:ceptor range of gloves. If, by chance, you are at the Convention, or nearby....come see us!
OK, now a rant. Hey, MLS.......you just this week signed Frank Lampard?!?!? After having told us that he's coming to NYCFC, then finding out that he might be staying at Man City, then finding out that he just last week signed his contract?!?
Sooooooooo.....how about paying attention to a few minor details? How about working to improve the MLS product and stop worrying about the 'old-English-player-chrome-and-shine' marketing? How about making the on-field soccer somewhere close to 'good'? (I'm not saying, 'superb' or 'great'.....how about just approaching 'good')? You're sure you have Gerrard signed? You're sure?
"C'mon, Man"
It will be interesting to watch over the next 12 months the changes that Klinsmann has promised from US Soccer. Perhaps we are at the proverbial "cross-roads" of development of National Team player base. Perhaps we are going about it all wrong. Time will tell. Like a lot of soccer in the US, the development 'concept and plan' sound good....but we'll see how things turn out. If the showing by the U-20s in the CONCACAF qualifiers is any indication....we're in for a very slow, bumpy, disappointing ride. Just sayin'.
Hope to see you in Philly!
May the ground beneath your dive be soft. May the opposition always shoot right at you. May your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV
Reusch will be exhibiting (as we always do--Dave is a charter member of the NSCAA) at the Show, and the highlight of our products will be the new Reusch RE:ceptor range of gloves. If, by chance, you are at the Convention, or nearby....come see us!
OK, now a rant. Hey, MLS.......you just this week signed Frank Lampard?!?!? After having told us that he's coming to NYCFC, then finding out that he might be staying at Man City, then finding out that he just last week signed his contract?!?
Sooooooooo.....how about paying attention to a few minor details? How about working to improve the MLS product and stop worrying about the 'old-English-player-chrome-and-shine' marketing? How about making the on-field soccer somewhere close to 'good'? (I'm not saying, 'superb' or 'great'.....how about just approaching 'good')? You're sure you have Gerrard signed? You're sure?
"C'mon, Man"
It will be interesting to watch over the next 12 months the changes that Klinsmann has promised from US Soccer. Perhaps we are at the proverbial "cross-roads" of development of National Team player base. Perhaps we are going about it all wrong. Time will tell. Like a lot of soccer in the US, the development 'concept and plan' sound good....but we'll see how things turn out. If the showing by the U-20s in the CONCACAF qualifiers is any indication....we're in for a very slow, bumpy, disappointing ride. Just sayin'.
Hope to see you in Philly!
May the ground beneath your dive be soft. May the opposition always shoot right at you. May your goalposts be 3 feet wide.
All the Best--EV