2010-05-14 15:33:57 +0000 #1
It is a little known fact that more kids are enrolled in soccer programs than in hockey programs in Canada!! Hockey is obviously more popular, and I think more kids play street hockey, than they do soccer in the summer, but it is a fact.
Now, if we consider this, and development a youth system, we can only improve the game. What we are lacking is that all too important link between amateur and professional. We may not have a professional league, but our players can always to to MLS. It's not the best, but better than nothing. All the kids can get to a certain point, but there's nobody to take them further. We don't have enough qualified coaches, or enough competitive teams to help these players development. If we can get that, we'll see a big improvement. It seems like most parents want their kids to "just have fun" when playing soccer. It's not that way in hockey, in hockey it's more serious, and a lot of parents are hoping for big things for their kids. If we can change that, and make soccer more like hockey in that sense, we'll do great!
Hopefully this happens and soon.
Now, if we consider this, and development a youth system, we can only improve the game. What we are lacking is that all too important link between amateur and professional. We may not have a professional league, but our players can always to to MLS. It's not the best, but better than nothing. All the kids can get to a certain point, but there's nobody to take them further. We don't have enough qualified coaches, or enough competitive teams to help these players development. If we can get that, we'll see a big improvement. It seems like most parents want their kids to "just have fun" when playing soccer. It's not that way in hockey, in hockey it's more serious, and a lot of parents are hoping for big things for their kids. If we can change that, and make soccer more like hockey in that sense, we'll do great!
Hopefully this happens and soon.