| Counterpoints (March 2006) |
By Jim Sheldon
Topics raised in this column two issues ago solicited comments from a number of members and non-members alike. Most responded to one of the issues. Some took on several topics. A few seemed to think that the questions raised in that November/December column were somehow thinly disguised position statements. All, however, were enlightening.
Here is a sampling:
Latino Influence. The question posed was whether or not we are doing enough to incorporate and sustain interest (in soccer) among recent Latino immigrants. Eli Moreira of Diamond Bar, Calif., wrote, “…my answer to you with due respect is that, no, not enough is being done to reach out and integrate the Latino community. Furthermore, I fear that discrimination and isolation is what our community suffers…. In fact, that is why I stopped participating in what is called ‘organized soccer’ and went back with my community of pirate leagues. The question is isolation or integration. I know the answer is the first, at least for the time being.”
Disturbing and not the least encouraging, hence the reason the question was raised.
Inner-City Dilemma. How does the sport penetrate the inner cities? How important is that to soccer’s future here?
Jill Robbins, executive director of Atlanta-based Soccer in the Streets, responded with a success story. More than 10 years ago, Tim Schum wrote a piece about a young SITS player in Youngstown, Ohio, Kenneth “Kiki” Willis. Fast forward to 2006, and Robbins tells us that Willis is at Elon University in North Carolina and doing quite well, thank you. In fact, he was an NSCAA/adidas All-South region choice and was named to College Soccer News’ All-Freshman second team.
So, it can work. It needs to work.
Soccer and Education. This topic juxtaposed the American v. the European models of the role that athletics plays in our respective educational institutions. It was asked whether we really expect to produce top-flight players when youngsters spend a good portion of their year playing in the more regulated and restricted school environment, an environment that often treats them as second-class athletes compared to traditional American sports?
Rusty Oliver, a high school coach, took offense. Relating his comments to his high school environment – something the question above was not limited to – he challenged that between high school and club soccer, his players were participating year-around. In regards to restrictions and regulation, he asked if there is a different set of rules in high school. He noted that the club culture often discourages playing with older players. Finally, he stated that, at his high school, his “players are treated with the same respect and recognition for their achievements as another ‘traditional American sport.’”
It was gratifying to hear the latter. That’s the case at my older son’s high school as well, by and large. However, I’m willing to bet that there are many NSCAA members at both the high school and college level that wish that were true at their institutions.
As for restrictions and regulations, it’s worth pointing out that high school playing rules typically differ from club rules and that regulations on outside club play vary greatly from state to state. And, of course, anyone familiar with the NCAA bylaws knows that restrictions on outside play are rampant.
John Egan, men’s coach at William Penn University in Iowa, also chimed in. A firm believer that athletics is an integral part of the educational process, Egan asked, “Two things: aren’t we producing top-flight players already without having the European club model and, there has already been discussion about this subject, but is the (U-17) residency program really worth it?” Egan went on to add, “I think we can still produce top-flight players without the European model, however, we need to have better coaches at the high school and youth levels. We need to teach the fundamentals better at younger ages.”
No argument here with better instruction in fundamentals. More to come on our model’s ability to produce top-class players.
Sportsmanship. In response to questions about what is being done to address the sport’s image of poor on-field behavior, Egan said, “First off, on-the-field profanity is huge in our game.” The solution, according to Egan: “We as coaches need to hold our own players and ourselves to a higher standard.”
Egan is rightfully preaching to the choir here, though I wonder how many are listening.
Americanizing Soccer. Response to questions about the desirability of rules changes, making the sport more palatable to America tastes, can be summed up pretty succinctly: “We’ve tried it. It doesn’t work.” Change for the sake of change isn’t desirable and neither is change for the sake of one culture. But, I’ll leave you with one thought (for now) – basketball.
Thanks to those members and others for their input. More would be welcome.
And, if you’re looking for more in-depth opinions rather than just thought-provoking questions, stay tuned. |
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