and Ahead to Our Season

The World Cup is over, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on what we saw on the world stage and what it means for us here at home.

I recently read an article where a former U.S. National Team player was asked a simple but powerful question:

He explained that unless a family earns $50,000 a year, many kids simply can’t afford to play. His mother earned $34,000 and had three children. She couldn’t afford $4,000 a year for club soccer. Someone stepped in to cover his costs; otherwise, he never would have played.

When we reflect on those comments and then look at ourselves in District 7, we have to ask: Are we doing all we can to change this?

We need to start more players at younger ages, keep costs down, and encourage more kids to play.

Fortunately, many of you in District 7 already work hard to keep fees low — but we can do better. Years ago, we had over 22,000 players across all levels. Competitive pay‑to‑play programs took some players, but not all. So where did the rest go? And more importantly:

How do we bring them back? These are the questions we must ask ourselves.

After more than 30 years in District 7 — and 18 as your commissioner — I’ve seen the industry change in many ways, yet it has remained the same in others.

As you reflect on how we can bring more kids into soccer, think about what you need.  Then let’s work together to grow the game in District 7, in Cal North, and across the USA.

The U.S. National Teams need us. Let’s be part of the solution.

More Kids + More Play =  A stronger pathway to future World Cup success.