Ep 332: The Ongoing US Open Cup Fiasco, Pro/Rel, and Are There Any Real Clubs in American Soccer?

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Truly knowing the landscape at all scales, helps you successfully navigate it.

On Clubs
A crucial concept often overlooked in discussions about soccer is the absence of what we commonly refer to as “clubs” at the MLS level.

Moreover, this absence extends to the youth ranks. It might seem different from what you’d expect, especially when comparing it to overseas practices. And by overseas, I don’t specifically mean Europe; I’m referring to the global scenario, encompassing over 190 countries. In these places, soccer operates differently, with distinct and separate entities known as clubs.

On Pay to Play and Pro/Rel
One well-known model, which you’re likely familiar with, is the pay-to-play system. Ever wondered why this model exists in the United States compared to overseas?

The root cause lies in the fact that there are no genuine clubs here. This leads us to explore why there’s no promotion or relegation at the youth level a crucial aspect that significantly impacts parents of young soccer players.

Understanding the level of coaching your child receives becomes challenging when there’s no merit-based system in place. We delve into this topic and also address issues with the media in the context of soccer consumption.

On MLS Destroying the US Open Cup
Additionally, we shed light on the U.S. Open Cup, a competition with a century-long history that MLS is attempting to exit, primarily driven by their desire to control everything.

For parents of American soccer players, these discussions directly impact you. It’s not isolated to the professional level; the implications reach down to youth soccer. We start outlining how this affects you and your child.

As we enter 2024, we extend our wishes for a Happy New Year to everyone.

We have ambitious plans to work even harder to support coaches and parents of American soccer players. Don’t forget to check out our existing products at 3four3: 343coaching.com for coaches, offering free and premium programs, and 343masterclass.com for parents, designed to guide you in supporting and understanding your kids’ soccer journey, both in terms of training and overall philosophy.

Here’s to a promising year ahead!

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The post Ep 332: The Ongoing US Open Cup Fiasco, Pro/Rel, and Are There Any Real Clubs in American Soccer? appeared first on 3four3.