SoccerAnswering readers' questions

Beginning of Story Content

I always appreciate the comments and e-mails that are sent in after every blog I write. It only underlines my belief that there is a real passion for the game in Canada, and that there are fans of the beautiful game from coast to coast. 

 

This week I offered readers the chance to send me questions on Twitter; there were some excellent ones sent in, and here are a few of the best. 

 

Footiecanada asked: When did soccer participation here grow to its current level - #1 participation sport - and when will see dividends @ the national level? 

 

Soccer has been gaining steadily in recent years when it comes to participation numbers, and we are set to pass the one million-player mark in the next few years. While those numbers are very encouraging, we are not seeing a corresponding improvement in our standing at the international level. 

 

There are numerous reasons for that, but I feel that the most significant reason is that our elite development structure is inefficient.  

 

In most countries around the world, elite player development is controlled and implemented by the professional clubs. As an example, there are 92 professional clubs in England alone, who all have academies or youth development programs. In Canada, we have only the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Clearly three clubs is not sufficient when it comes to elite player development. 

 

For many years, elite player development has been in the domain of the provincial associations. Some do a better job than others, but I feel that it is imperative that we regionalize our elite development centres across the country if we are to capture the best prospects that are out there. 

 

Not every talented athlete lives in a major metropolitan area, and we need to do a better job of offering elite coaching to players closer to home. In Ontario, it is almost impossible to make it to the elite level if you are unable or unwilling to travel into Toronto to train. I had to do it over 20 years ago, and it is disheartening to see that not much has changed in that regard over that period of time. 

 

Until we make some reform to our elite player development system, we will continue to struggle to produce a slew of top players. 

 

Kframpton asked: Who are the up and coming young CDN players to watch for? And will they help us qualify for the (World Cup) - ever? 

 

Unfortunately, I don't get the chance to see much of our 14-18 year-old players, mainly because they don't get together that often. But one player I have seen a lot of over the last two years that I am keen on is Nana Attakora. 

 

Attakora has all of the physical tools necessary to be a top defender; he is big, strong, aggressive and quick. Size and speed cannot be taught, and both are virtually essential for central defenders in the modern era. 

 

While Attakora has the ability to play as a fullback, I see his future for both club and country as a central defender. What he needs to do now is to continue to learn how to play the position. He needs to understand the positional side of the game, how to read situations and anticipate danger. If he can do that, he has a chance to go a long way in the game.  

 

I like the early signs of his partnership with Adrian Cann at the back for Toronto FC. Cann provides aerial strength and aggression, something that the team has lacked for a long time. If those two players can form a decent partnership, it will benefit TFC, but it will also aid in the progression of Attakora. 

 

Will sent in an e-mail question: Since MLS/Soccer is making more and more ground and gaining more popularity in the North Americas, how long do you think it will take for the European "star" players to start thinking about moving in? Or do you think our "local" talent will sustain? 

 

There is no question that the limited amount of Canadian talent in Major League Soccer is a hindrance to Toronto FC. The best Canadian players can earn far more money than TFC can offer them by playing in Europe, and that will always be the case. 

 

Our pool of players will be stretched even further when Vancouver, and eventually Montreal, joins MLS. That will only change if we can start developing more players, which is a plan that will require 10-12 years. In the short term, there appears to be no easy solution. 

 

I like the idea of European or South American players coming into MLS, because it diversifies the training environment. We have plenty to learn from other countries when it comes to player development, and an influx of top professionals from other countries will only be a benefit - if they are of the required calibre. 

 

The danger comes in offering lucrative salaries to second-level players who are only interested in earning a paycheque. For that reason, it is essential that clubs do their due diligence when it comes to signing European "star" players. 

 

If you have a soccer question that you would like answered, you can send it to me on Twitter @jasondevos or e-mail it to soccer@cbc.ca and I will answer as many as I can.

End of Story Content

Back to accessibility links