Here's an interesting article by Greg Lalas about soccer salaries in the U.S.: "MLS getting what it pays for". Rather than wanting more millions to import marquee players from around the world, he's advocating that MLS teams pay more for "mid-tier players". And according to Lalas, that means MLS would become a better career choice for some of the players currently in the USL. Click to continue reading...

About a year ago, I talked to Brad Friedel about his plans for a youth academy in Ohio. It was actually still in the process of being built and planned and such. I believe it's in its just completed its first full year or it's been opened right around there. Things seem to be heading in the right direction for Premier Soccer Academies. Click to continue reading...

Great news this morning in the Nation's Capital. ACT Rockets (Youth) are expected to play a number of games between October and Febuary against A-League Youth sides. Nothing is confirmed but progess is looking good, very good.

Negotiations are at an early stage but signs are very promising. Click to continue reading...

Edgar Castillowas profiled in the New York Times on Wednesday.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, there may be little new information in there that you haven't already come across here. But his story is clearly of interest to more than just soccer fans as a whole new audience has now been exposed to his tale. Click to continue reading...

KNVB Basic Level Coaching Course

FFA has organised a 7 day residential coaching course through Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) which is open to all Youth Coaches.

Applications close Friday 25 July.

Venue: Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra
Dates: 21 – 27 August 2008
Arrival: 20 August
Departure: 28 August
Cost: $2,090 (This includes instructor costs, course materials, accommodation and meals)
Travel: You will be responsible for your own travel to and from the AIS
How to apply: Complete the application form Click to continue reading...

Edgar Castillo was a popular player following Wednesday's match. Because he can speak English and is a key player for Santos Laguna, it was easier for the English reporters to deal with him. In general, it's easier to deal with anyone directly when you don't lose anything in translation.

But Edgar did field some questions in Spanish. Click to continue reading...

By Aries Daniel Boateng has been putting in some fantastic performances for the Arsenal's youth teams that attracted the interest of the England youth coaches. Over six foot tall and only 15 years old he has been playing in central defence forming a solid partnership with another starlet, Oliver Nicholas. Click to continue reading...

All hail a great new football onomatopoeia: "tiki-taka," apparently a Spanish nonsense phrase to describe how Spain plays, with lots of fast, crackling short passes. To me, that was the most impressive aspect of the new Euro champions, and I hope it's an inspiration to club and youth coaches and third-rate Portland-based futsal teams everywhere. Click to continue reading...

If you take offense to this, then it most likely means you're guilty of it.

I attended my mate's 11yr old niece's football match over the weekend and was gutted with what I saw and heard. First, I saw their "coach" yelling at these girls telling them "if you don't win this game you are a disappointment to me".

Click to continue reading...