The FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Continuing the United State's Journey to Soccer Greatness…. the American National Team (USMNT

The FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014

Continuing the United State’s journey to soccer greatness….

The American National team (USMNT) captured a nations imagination at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The USMNT performances helped wake up a nation and inspire generations of Americans with their heart felt performances. Hailed as another important step in the development of soccer within the United States, experts are now predicting America can go on to become a true power house in world soccer.

The following four points outlined are important when continuing this step towards soccer greatness:

1. Develop a Soccer Culture

Youth soccer coaches play an important role when developing young players. The new generation of ‘instant gratification’ children are too reliant on iPad’s and Xboxes for entertainment. Developing the young American player can be even more challenging. If a coach is asking young soccer players to go and watch professional soccer players, whether it’s on TV, or just at a field, they need to foster a love for this process. Creating an environment where children discover, learn and educate themselves is something every coach should aspire too. Coaches needs to encourage children to practice away from the field, embrace American role models and become a student of the game.

2. Grass Roots Coaching

Youth soccer in the United States is geared towards winning, not developing players. The foundation of true player development comes when coaches create an environment where they experience “Freedom without Fear” (Rush Soccer: 2004). However, making sure the coaches that create these environments are educated is another challenge. The critical years for shaping a child’s successful participation in soccer are 4-10 years of age. However, most youth soccer organizations have their most experienced coaches working with older players. This trend needs to change and clubs, organizations and programs need to invest in grass roots coaching.

3. Globalization

The World Cup ticket sales were another indication of the American growth in soccer interest. According to tickets sales at Viagogo, the global market for the ticket re-sales, the United States had the second largest ticket allocation for the World Cup 2014 in Brazil compared to South Africa where they were ranked tenth! The broadcast company ESPN released figures that showed 18.22 Million viewers tuned into the USMNT vs Portugal game, their highest TV ratings in history. The World Cup Final also averaged 17.3 Million viewers on ABC and represented another increase from the 2010 final. How can this help impact the game here in America? Providing Americans with access to live games via local TV, the Internet and local newspaper and media outlets will support the continued growth of the game across the nation.

4. Role Models

Growing up as a young boy in inner city London, I had numerous opportunities to watch soccer and follow some of the worlds best soccer players (Yes, I’m a Chelsea fan). This type of challenge is difficult for the young American player. However, the recent impact in the World Cup games such as DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders), Julian Green (Bayern Munich) and John Brooks (Hertha BSC) provides a young generation of American players with hope. Why are Role Models important to growth? Mia Hamm remains the most recognizable soccer player, man or woman, in the USA. Her university coach Anson Dorrance was quoted on her impact and inspiration to countless young girls throughout the country: "When Mia came along, our game was nothing and nowhere," said Anson Dorrance, who coached Hamm at the University of North Carolina, as well as at the 1991 World Cup. "When she left it, it was something and significant. Mia was a part of that transition. And every little girl wanted to be Mia. She had almost a Beatles-like presence whenever she was in the stadium."

If America is going to continue it’s growth in global soccer, it’s important they also continue to invest in it’s youth, coaches and build the media relationships it needs to provide more exposure. One thing is for sure, the game is growing and it doesn’t plan on stopping anytime time soon!

Ricky Clarke Director, Academy Soccer Coach North America www.academysoccercoach.com

@AcademySCoach

Academy Soccer Coach.com is a pioneer and leading providers of digital coaching services and resources. 'ASC' provide software & other resources to many of the game’s biggest names from MLS & EPL Pro Youth Academies to National Federations/Associations across the world including the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and the US Women’s National Teams.

For further details on how ASC can help you visit: www.academysoccercoach.com. To download your complimentary practices developed & used by our team of pro youth coaches please click here or on the image below.