March 6 – At the U.S. Soccer Annual General Meeting (AGM) last weekend, the theme was one of ‘In Service to Soccer’ and it was an expression heard throughout the event.
Last September the Federation released its strategic vision that contains five foundational pillars.
- Grow the game
- Foster the best playing environments
- Develop winning teams
- Grow the soccer economy to fuel investment
- Create a world-class organization
With the strategy in place, the plan is now coming to life, and a variety of speakers including US Soccer President, Cindy Parlow Cone, and CEO, JT Batson all sang from the hymn sheet of positivity and optimism.
Vision: “In Service to Soccer”
We exist in service to soccer. Our ambition is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport, it is a force for good.
Ambitions:
Soccer Everywhere: Ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer
Soccer Success: Our National Teams and pro leagues are winning on the world stage
Soccer Investment: Maximize and diversify investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels
Member Engagement:
Soccer Solutions Group – Dedicated to supporting our members to the benefit from the ‘In Service to Soccer’ strategies.
In Service to Soccer Strategies: The U.S Way – Soccer Forward Foundation – Soccer Services
The U.S Way
- World-class development pathways and environments
- Shared and scaled infrastructure
- Professional development for the entire ecosystem
Soccer Forward Foundation
- More places to play
- More soccer in communities and schools
- Collaboration and best practice sharing
- ‘Play Soccer’ campaign
Soccer Services
- Safety and governance as enablement
- Referees
- Member and club support
- Community building
Support:
U.S. Soccer is building a world-class team to enable the “In Service to Soccer” strategies.
It is clear that the extensive overview of the soccer ecosystem in the United States has created a new way of thinking at the federation. What was once an insular organisation is now looking outwardly for solutions from the soccer community.
Now, if they could get the professional leagues to play nice with one another and get the youth environment to put aside greed and focus on a consistent pathway that doesn’t involve dollars, the pillars are in place for a ‘true’ soccer explosion to take place on a nationwide basis.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1741260804labto1741260804ofdlr1741260804owedi1741260804sni@o1741260804fni1741260804