Date:         Wed, 8 Dec 2004 15:51:13 -0500
Reply-To:     [log in to unmask]
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Ed Bazan <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: WUSA like a Phoenix?
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> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> The WUSA should also try and court other areas
> where it is known that _youth_soccer is popular.
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>
...such as Ohio (particularly Columbus area) and Texas (particularly Dallas areas), each of which has a high density of very high-caliber youth soccer teams ...
>
>>>
... Texas I agree on as well.  I've been there and seen their teams travel to other parts of the country.  They have good soccer.  One of the reasons, most likely, that the Burn are still there.  And now they are no longer the Burn but are called "FC Dallas"?  They now also have a soccer only
facility located in Frisco, TX, a north suburb of Dallas.  This would be a great place for WUSA to come as well.
>>>

Prior to WUSA getting off the ground, MLS offered to lend a hand and provide guidance so they could avoid some of the problems they already discovered. For various reasons WUSA said no and opted to go it alone. It was the beginning of the end for the now defunct league.

The current group trying to resurrect the league was formed immediately after the doors were closed and they expected to have the league back in action the following year but it didn't happen.

It's imperative they learn from their mistakes and the few large sponsors who expressed an interest have balked mainly because of the poor business plan they presented.

First and foremost they need to work with, not against, MLS or they'll experience more of the same. One thing they need to realize is to stay away from current MLS markets. For example, don't place a team in/around the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Yes, the area is a HUGE hotbed for youth soccer but it's mainly participatory. For example, after the soccer moms/dads run the kids to practice during the week, then attend their games at various times on Saturday, the last thing they're in the mood for is to pack up the kids (again) and drive out to watch more soccer.

The Burn have never been near the top of the league in attendance and narrowly escaped the axe when Tampa & Florida were discontinued. It is believed they were seriously being considered for relocation before the Hunt Sports Group (HSG) took over with the promise of a new stadium, unofficially dubbed "Uncle Lamar's House of Whoop Ass." Placing the new stadium 30 minutes drive north of the metroplex means the sales staff must cultivate an entirely new fanbase because many folks just won't make the drive. HSG feels confident they can do it after they turned around attendance in KC and I'll do whatever I can to help them.

Remember back to the days of the NASL because my rich "Uncle" Lamar (Hunt) was a founder and fell in love with the sport many years ago?

Going back even further, he wanted to own a team in the old NFL way back when but was refused because there was already a team based in the DFW area (Cowboys). He took his new team, moved to Kansas City and named them the Chiefs. Dallas is his home and he badly wants a pro soccer team to succeed back where he started. Good thing for soccer fans in the D/FW area because he saved the team, is building a new stadium, and will make it succeed despite the odds.

HSG also runs the Columbus Crew and Kansas City Wizards so they have a large interest in the success of MLS. WUSA knows this and would be foolish to place a team anywhere near an HSG club or any other MLS team.

MLS still has a ways to go for attendance levels to be profitable on a regular basis. When this happens we'll all be smiling because WUSA, and other soccer leagues, will have an easier path to success. Until then, there isn't enough room for everyone to make it.

Thanks,
Ed Bazan

P.S. I write for www.cybersoccernews.com and we're the only online media outlet covering MLS since year one. We also covered WUSA and the WWC so I'm fortunate to be privvy to many events that aren't always provided to the general public. Most of the above info is public knowledge but after being spread out over time it helps to get a refresher all in the same email.  :-)