The evolution of youth soccer into the club model, and the founding of clubs such as Players Development Academy (PDA) had a positive impact on the continued growth of the sport in America. But it also accelerated the concept of "pay to play" which has made the game inaccessible to many communities, while simultaneously giving more opportunity to those that can afford participation. However, with increased cost and increased competition, burnout is occurring in volume with kids dropping out of the sports in huge numbers throughout their teenage years.
John O'Sullivan wrote Changing the Game after seeing the challenges youth sports faced in this country. The book highlights the ways youth sports, soccer included, has gotten away from us in America. It also provides strategies to help us recapture its essence, giving the sport back to our children in the process. He founded the Changing the Game Project to facilitate speaking engagements and other events to spread the ideas associated with his book.
O'Sullivan joined Founding Futbol to talk about ideas in the book, how they combat the problems associated with a "pay-to-play" mindset. He talked about his journey trying to, literally, change the game and much more.
Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America.
Visit our website for more information: FoundingFutbol.com
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Host: Kent Malmros
Guest: John O'Sullivan (Author, Coach)
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