| Feeding a Fall Frenzy (March 2003) |
By Janet Rayfield
By the time this issue arrives, “March Madness” will be in full swing. Before we leave the winter months behind, I would like to look back at the NSCAA convention held in Kansas City in January. What a wonderful culmination to the 2002 soccer year!
For those of you who did not make it this year as we “expanded our horizons” from the East Coast, you missed one of the best. With a demonstration surface that was at least 70 x 90, the field sessions were some of the best ever. Schellas Hyndman opened the educational element of the convention with a great session and was able to end playing 11 v. 11! What a great teaching and learning opportunity!
The MLS SuperDraft added a great deal of excitement. NSCAA members were given a chance to be a part of the live audience, witnessing and commenting on the selections and trades that sent players around the country. The audience participation added an element of fun and created a true sporting atmosphere.
The NSCAA Awards Banquet and All-America Luncheon were once again the Who’s Who of soccer and provided a wonderful stage for recognizing the truly great players and coaches in our game – both past and present. I will not forget the moment that emcee Ray Cieplik realized that he was this year’s Honor Award recipient. As Cliff McCrath concluded his traditional comedy act and reached the biographical portion of his presentation, Ray shifted in his seat on the dais, removed his glasses and wiped at the forming tears. I am ever amazed by not only the talent, service and character of the leaders in this sport, but also by their humility and gratitude. Congratulations to Dr. Cieplik and to all the other award recipients. Please continue to lead, to serve and to guide. As we move through 2003, when we celebrate “The Family of Soccer,” your leadership and guidance will ensure that we continue to progress forward without forgetting the family atmosphere that has made this organization special.
If we look back at the themes that have steered the NSCAA in recent years – “2001: A Soccer Odyssey,” “Soccer: As Diverse as Its People,” “Expanding Horizons” and now “The Family of Soccer” – there are two common threads: progress and people. Soccer in this country is young and we are all a part of the journey that will see the sport grow, mature and hopefully become a premier sport in this country. That journey is made special by the people we meet along the way, some of whom travel miles with us, some who we meet only in passing, but all become a part of the family. The entire family of soccer is an alphabet soup of organizations: NSCAA, USSF, USYSA, AYSO, SAY, MLS, WUSA, LASCA, NISOA and many, many more.
We all must realize that everyone plays a role in the journey and that cooperation will be our strength. We all dream of the future of soccer – men’s and women’s World Cup championships, large professional leagues and clubs, soccer specific stadiums across the country. Together, we can make those dreams reality!
So back to spring, March Madness, and dreams. After spending three years as Vice President of Marketing and Awards, I have a greater understanding of the marketing challenges facing our sport. I also understand that those challenges present serious hurdles to the dreams I mentioned above. Despite those hurdles, I dream of the day when March Madness pales in comparison to the excitement of the NCAA Soccer Championships in November and December. So, I am issuing a challenge to all 16,000 plus members to help make that dream and others like it a reality. “What can I do?” you ask. Here are just some suggestions:
- Buy MLS or WUSA season tickets. If there is not a team in your area buy two and donate them to a children’s charity in the area.
- Plan a watch party for a televised soccer event (and tell everyone to tune their TV set to the game before they come and join you).
- Send a letter to a sponsor thanking them for their support of the game and buy their products.
- Take your team to a game – any game…a college game, an A-League or W-League game, a high school game, the McDonald’s High School All-America Game, a WUSA or MLS game, a National Team game.
- Send a note of thanks to the local newspaper or television station that consistently covers soccer.
- Send a note of disappointment to the local media outlets that consistently ignore soccer.
Attendance, TV ratings, media coverage and sponsor loyalty will influence the future of our sport. We can make a difference! Several major events will take place in the next year: the Women’s World Cup, the U.S. Men’s World Cup qualifying, the crucial third WUSA season, the MLS season, the College Cups in Columbus and Raleigh, the Second Annual McDonald’s High School All-America Games in Charleston, S.C.
Where will we see you? Where will we see your team? Start making dreams come true and perhaps with the efforts of all soccer players, coaches and fans we can create a “Fall Frenzy” next year in Columbus and Raleigh! |
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| The Technical Area, NSCAA eNewsletter |
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| Soccer Journal - Published seven times a year in print and once annually online, Soccer Journal is the Official Publication of NSCAA and is one of the few publications in the world produced exclusively for soccer coaches. learn more |
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| Convention - The NSCAA Convention is "The World's Largest Annual Gathering of Soccer Coaches." Held each January learn more |
| Awards and Recognition - The NSCAA administers an outstanding awards and recognition program which includes Coach of the Year, All-America, long-term service and special recognition awards, designed to recognize excellence in soccer, academics and service to the game. learn more |
| Licensed Apparel - A full line of distinctive coaching gear sets you apart as a member of the NSCAA through our licensed apparel program with adidas. learn more |
| For more details, please proceed to the Benefits of NSCAA Membership Page |
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