September 27, 2007

The dumbing down of the coaching in the Women’s National Team program by the U.S. Soccer Federation

The remarks by the USA Coach Ryan quoted on the FIFA web site before the game with Brazil are exactly what one would expect from a coach of the U.S. Federation.

The success and quality of the U.S. Women’s National Team from its beginning have always been difficult to to handle for the men's struggling National Team over the years.

A dumbing down with the appointment of male local club level coaches for the Women’s National Teams has resulted in only one Women’s National Team left with a female coach, and she happens to be one of the best NCAA coaches in the USA.

It is noticeable that only the playing history of Coach Ryan is quoted . There was no history of his coaching at a high level mentioned, presumably because most of the NCAA Division 1 women’s team coaches had more experience and knowledge at a higher level than he did when appointed to his present position.

Through the last years the Federation has always been reluctant to pay the Women’s National Team head coaches at or near the amount paid to any of the head coaches of the men’s national teams.

When coupled with the control imposed by the male run Federation it makes it difficult to attract any of the highly qualified and experienced coaches in the USA.
In a country that has the largest available pool of top quality female players in the world, it is time for the U.S. Soccer Federation to change its attitude and hire a coach at the Dorrance and DiCicco level.

Germany has managed a thoughtful program that has resulted in one of their top player continuing their program as Head Coach. Why can't the U.S. Soccer Federation follow the same approach?

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