Looking for opinions on the state of soccer in Canada

[soccerauthor]

Hi Folks,

I am working on a book about soccer in Canada. I am looking for some opinions, especially from those who are at the technical director or policy making level, but certainly also welcome opinions from the grass roots. I have observed that relations between and amongst various associations from local right up to the provincial and national associations often seem strained. I have also been following the implosion of the Alberta Soccer Association. A recent article on the CBC website also suggested that there is something wrong with the "system" that has in the past has hindered, and will continue to hinder, the development of elite level players. What are your opinions on this? Is the system working/not working? What parts of the system work best/worst?

Thanks for your opinions!

[Admin]

Hi Folks,

I am working on a book about soccer in Canada. I am looking for some opinions, especially from those who are at the technical director or policy making level, but certainly also welcome opinions from the grass roots. I have observed that relations between and amongst various associations from local right up to the provincial and national associations often seem strained. I have also been following the implosion of the Alberta Soccer Association. A recent article on the CBC website also suggested that there is something wrong with the "system" that has in the past has hindered, and will continue to hinder, the development of elite level players. What are your opinions on this? Is the system working/not working? What parts of the system work best/worst?

Thanks for your opinions!

Well... I would search the forum, hang out and read.

There is both crazy stuff here, and very well informed stuff.

I am willing to bet there are, on exactly the topics you mention 50 000 posts alone.

[Norma Rae]

Hi Folks,

I am working on a book about soccer in Canada. I am looking for some opinions, especially from those who are at the technical director or policy making level, but certainly also welcome opinions from the grass roots. I have observed that relations between and amongst various associations from local right up to the provincial and national associations often seem strained. I have also been following the implosion of the Alberta Soccer Association. A recent article on the CBC website also suggested that there is something wrong with the "system" that has in the past has hindered, and will continue to hinder, the development of elite level players. What are your opinions on this? Is the system working/not working? What parts of the system work best/worst?

Thanks for your opinions!

Soccer Author

I concur with Socceronly but in a nutshell there are a number of serious issues with the governance of soccer in the country at most every level. It is modeled by the CSA and copied by many many others. REad the forum, examine decisions and review the actions of the leaders of our fine sport. Rarely are decisions made about what is best for soccer players development, or the sports development but rather for what is best for the individual leaders own association, or personal agenda oftent at the expense of soccer players in some fashion. Power is abused regularly as decisions are made through the old boys network -- behind closed doors, based upon trading favours or who has the most stroke. Those who strive to make change using democratic processes are shunned, threatened and ultimatley persecuted. If you want to do a study, make Alberta a case study about how power corrupts and amateur sports players are used as pawns/collateral in the pursuit of that power.

The sport particularly the amatuer side of it needs to professionalize. WE know the benefit to our national teams from having professional coaches, why don't we demand the same from our leaders? It is time to clean house. If you have the wherewithall and ability to write about this, the first step to cleaning house is to bring awareness to the issue.

[Trillium]

Hi Folks,

I am working on a book about soccer in Canada. I am looking for some opinions, especially from those who are at the technical director or policy making level, but certainly also welcome opinions from the grass roots. I have observed that relations between and amongst various associations from local right up to the provincial and national associations often seem strained. I have also been following the implosion of the Alberta Soccer Association. A recent article on the CBC website also suggested that there is something wrong with the "system" that has in the past has hindered, and will continue to hinder, the development of elite level players. What are your opinions on this? Is the system working/not working? What parts of the system work best/worst?

Thanks for your opinions!

I doubt five technical directors in Canadian clubs, or employed by the various associations have a clue about the systemic structual problems of soccer in Canada.

So to seek wisdom from the B, or C, or A licenced coaches in Canada is to seek for something your not going to find.

Canadian soccer still clings to the amateur concepts of purity of play from the past, its a prime reason we have not developed vibriant regionalized professional leagues.

Unlike most countrys in the world we do not bind players to clubs and allow clubs to sell the said player to other clubs to generate revenues, so the game is funded by consumers, moms and dads and they seek there level of success which does not match any other system in the world save the USA.

So until the CSA allows the profit motive to exist in player development through contracts that ensure clubs get a cut of a players developed value, very little will change.

[DJones]

Visit other provinces because each province has different issues and clubs have different issues with their province associations. Some clubs are very well organized and successful while others are not and yet have to play by the same rules.