Les "grands" clubs de jeunes mettent leurs culotte
Publié : 27 janvier 2007 14:09
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/sto ... 11&k=20488
http://www.canadaclubsoccer.com/
Richard Starnes, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, January 25, 2007
OTTAWA - A group of the most elite soccer clubs in Canada have joined forces in an effort to stop meddling provincial and national associations from blocking development of the game.
John Pugh of the Ottawa Fury and Vancouver Whitecaps boss Bob Lenarduzzi are among the leaders of the movement that revealed Wednesday it has taken action because it is frustrated by ''regulations placed on clubs by governing associations at the district, provincial and Canadian Soccer Association levels.''
Canada Club Soccer, as the group has named itself, intends to hold a two-day symposium in Toronto in April at which it plans to map out a direction for the sport at the elite level.
It believes it can use strength in numbers to develop a strong voice for change, which will force the governing bodies to take notice.
The group says many of the clubs have invested considerable money and time in their clubs, but are too often held back because of the way in which governing associations make decisions affecting development of the sport.
The group says it does not intend to be an alternative to the CSA or the provinces. It wants to set itself up as an advocate for improving the way the game is developed. It wants open discussion and it wants its views considered.
CSA president Colin Linford was quick to respond.
''Let me say the CSA is actively looking at improving the game, not at stagnation. Do you stand still or are you prepared to talk to improve things? We are keen to talk, to exchange ideas, and I am certainly not going to say I don't approve.
''Our eyes are open and aware of the opportunity for change. Obviously, they have some concerns and we are certainly open to listening.
''The CSA is going through its own strategic planning process right now. In September, Dick Howard will head up our version of a soccer summit. We will be inviting people into discussions and workshops to talk about the future of the game, new directions we need to take.
''We are in an era of change. Let's see if there are better ways to market the game and find better players.''
Ottawa Citizen
© CanWest News Service 2007
http://www.canadaclubsoccer.com/
Richard Starnes, CanWest News Service
Published: Thursday, January 25, 2007
OTTAWA - A group of the most elite soccer clubs in Canada have joined forces in an effort to stop meddling provincial and national associations from blocking development of the game.
John Pugh of the Ottawa Fury and Vancouver Whitecaps boss Bob Lenarduzzi are among the leaders of the movement that revealed Wednesday it has taken action because it is frustrated by ''regulations placed on clubs by governing associations at the district, provincial and Canadian Soccer Association levels.''
Canada Club Soccer, as the group has named itself, intends to hold a two-day symposium in Toronto in April at which it plans to map out a direction for the sport at the elite level.
It believes it can use strength in numbers to develop a strong voice for change, which will force the governing bodies to take notice.
The group says many of the clubs have invested considerable money and time in their clubs, but are too often held back because of the way in which governing associations make decisions affecting development of the sport.
The group says it does not intend to be an alternative to the CSA or the provinces. It wants to set itself up as an advocate for improving the way the game is developed. It wants open discussion and it wants its views considered.
CSA president Colin Linford was quick to respond.
''Let me say the CSA is actively looking at improving the game, not at stagnation. Do you stand still or are you prepared to talk to improve things? We are keen to talk, to exchange ideas, and I am certainly not going to say I don't approve.
''Our eyes are open and aware of the opportunity for change. Obviously, they have some concerns and we are certainly open to listening.
''The CSA is going through its own strategic planning process right now. In September, Dick Howard will head up our version of a soccer summit. We will be inviting people into discussions and workshops to talk about the future of the game, new directions we need to take.
''We are in an era of change. Let's see if there are better ways to market the game and find better players.''
Ottawa Citizen
© CanWest News Service 2007
