How early do you wake up to watch a soccer game on TV? How far are you driving this weekend for your kid to play? How much money have you spent on soccer jerseys or soccer cleats?

You see, soccer and the business and consumption that comes with it is not the problem here in the United States. Soccer, the game itself, is loved and played and watched and supported by millions of people here in America.

The problem with soccer in America doesn’t have anything to do with soccer at all.

America has a system problem.

America has a closed-door system problem to be specific. There is a big ‘access-denied’ sign posted on the doorstep leading up to our first division. And this is what is hurting soccer in our country.

MLS is a franchise based, single-entity system that was created to protect its investors from open market competition and is effectively shutting out potential players, coaches, investors, and entire communities of people who, in all other parts of the world, would have every right to build as they please and march their way into the first division based on merit.

I have no problem admitting that I don’t know enough about this stuff to teach a class on it. Thankfully, I know a few people are incredibly well versed in promotion/relegation and I lean on them when necessary.

You’re probably familiar with Ted Westervelt. I invited Ted to join us during the 2016 3FOUR3 Coaching Summit at Palms Resort Casino in Las Vegas. He made the trip with less than a weeks notice and we got right down to business when he arrived.

A group of coaches sat down with me and Ted in at the bar at Palms and we started discussing a bunch of different topics. And this episode of the #343podcast features some of the highlights from that very candid round-table style conversation.

Of course, the conversation revolves around promotion/relegation. But this episode is very easy to digest and a great way to get a better understanding of what this pro/rel movement is all about.

I hope you enjoy this episode of the 343podcast. Thank you for listening and sharing!

The post Why America Has A “Soccer Problem” That Isn’t Really A Soccer Problem appeared first on 3four3.