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Hope MSL Learns What we already know here
Hope MLS Commissioner Finds
Our What We Already Now
St. Louis is Great Soccer City
By Randy Gardner
What a week it is for soccer fans in St. Louis as the MLS commissioner visits the area. This is, at least in my mind a huge step in getting a franchise here. The MLS has considered this area for a few years but haven’t really put us on the map.
I don’t understand with all of the popularity of the sport here in St. Louis that we don’t have a MLS team. I think the huge showings for the U.S. Women’s National
Team and all of the high profile
international games opened some eyes within the league.
I really think that if a 15,000 to 25,000 seat stadium was built that the fans would support it. Ore perhaps they could play in the new Rams Riverfront stadium, if it ever becomes a reality.
I know we have the Pro team that plays at the soccer park and they are drawing pretty well but many feel that if it isn’t the MLS, they are not going to watch. Unfortunately, I am a huge soccer fan but I almost feel the same way.
I want to see the big name players. Look at a town like Kansas City that draws a complete sellout every single game. I know a lot of people that make the trek to Kansas City many times a year to see the Sporting KC franchise play. It would be nice to be able to stay in our own backyard and watch the pros and a team that we can call our own play.
Finding the right Coach For Your Child
Most youth teams are right in the middle of their baseball seasons and for some it is a positive experience and for others it is not. I talk about this frequently but the parents are the main cause of the kids not having fun or excelling at a sport.
Coaches are called “coaches” for a reason, they coach your kids. The key is to find a quality coach and one that has the same values as you do and let them take it. It’s alright to ask questions and be inquisitive but don’t try and coach your kid from the sidelines or tell the kids not to listen to the coach.
If you can’t trust your coach then you kid shouldn’t be playing for them. Take your time and find the right fit. Remember though to be realistic, don’t over estimate your child’s abilities. The key for me as a coach is to have 14 quality players, not 2 or 3 superstars and the rest good players. I want everyone to contribute evenly. In my mind this is ultimate goal.
This builds a strong team, nobody is more important to the team than another. This creates a great environment for everybody including the parents. Remember though, don’t burn any bridges, your child will be playing sports for a long time and many paths will cross years down the line.
If your kid is good, they will be good on a team only if they are nurtured and corrected. If you pump them up and tell them that they are better than everybody else or if you carry that attitude with you, they cannot flourish under the team concept. I think that parents who want their kids to individually be great should play individual based sports like tennis or golf. Then the pressure is on one person. The kid.
Have a happy and safe memorial day and be careful on the roadways. Enjoy everyday and live life to its fullest.
