Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Knight: All quiet on the CSA front

Ben Knight, May 8, 2008 at 12:46 PM EDT

Sometimes, there is no story. 
 
For all the hype and glory leading up to last weekend's Canadian Soccer Association annual general meeting in St. John's, pretty much exactly nothing has changed.
 
The biggest announcements?  Interim president Dominic Maestracci has now accepted a four-year term as non-interim president.

The new CSA strategic plan has apparently been adopted, but does not currently exist on paper in any form that can be released to the public.
 
Oh, and the FIFA Under-20 World Cup didn't lose money after all.  It's final balance sheet goes into the official books as exactly zero.  As much spent as was brought in.  FIFA, essentially, shovelled money into the hole so now there is no hole and we can wholly forget we ever thought there was a hole.
 
In other words, we actually know less today than we did before the meeting was convened.
 
All this non-action has generated almost no response from the CSA's large and previously vocal roster or critical opponents.  Canada's largely dysfunctional soccer bureaucracy managed to stroll in and out of the spotlight without actually doing much of anything, and now the criticism is dying down dramatically.
 
For myself, I'm neither puzzled nor surprised nor outraged.  I actually kind of admire the craftsmanship.
 
It won't last.  Among the unanswered questions:
 
- Will president Maestracci, with a four-year contract, listen to his new general secretary, Peter Montopoli, who is trying to remake and reorient this sadly sinking ship?  We have been assured, in the past, that Montopoli now has the wheel.  But Montopoli doesn't have a contract.  What's his job security going to be like should he start advising his captain to change course?  We don't know.
 
- What's in the strategic plan?  A document, being drafted under the wobbly and dubious title “Wellness to World Cup” will apparently be released in June.  Will it contain sane, workable answers to such chronic problems as underfunding, lack of direction and chronic multi-provincial bureaucratic paralysis?  We don't know.
 
- Can a bureaucracy with a discouraging previous record of bad communication and unsound decision making repair and reform itself, when most of its detractors feel the most important first step to reform is to simply replace the lot of them?  We deeply suspect, but we don't know.
 
The CSA has somehow, in broad daylight and under intense scrutiny, managed to cloak itself in secrecy all over again.  Those of us who have been howling for change are going to have to wait till they actually do something specific, and take it on a case-by-case basis from there.
 
So, as long as we're out on the dancefloor with no band and no disc jockey, please allow me to post a little dance card of questions for this “new” CSA:
 
- Why do we need two levels of bureaucracy running amateur soccer in Canada?  Why not combine the CSA with the various provincial boards, give them the amateur game, and turn our national teams over to a new, streamlined, effective and business-savvy new organization – Soccer Canada or some-such?
 
- Why not do a complete re-examination of provincial soccer programs?  Are provincial rep teams really the best way to develop our next generation of soccer stars?  Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps don't seem to think so.  They're both launching extensive new soccer academy programs.  They've also got better access to market capital.  They might well be wondering just what exactly they need the CSA and the provinces for, exactly?
 
- Can we re-examine the issue of artificial turf at BMO Field?  We're finding out that Canada's men's World Cup team doesn't want to play at the so-called National Soccer Stadium because the players hate the surface.  The turf was demanded by the various levels of government that paid for construction.  Is there any way to reopen that discussion?
 
Let's start with that.  Feel free to load up the comments section with questions of your own.
 
The deep lull in criticism following the CSA AGM non-event concerns me.  I admit, they didn't give us much to react to.  But is inaction suddenly acceptable?  Did the stakes suddenly and magically get lowered?
 
It's still a mess, folks – and we still don't know what the CSA plans to do about it.
 
Onward!

 ---
 
Other stuff: The Voyageurs, Canada's national soccer supporters, are running a bus from Toronto to the Canada vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines World Cup qualifying match, at Saputo Stadium in Montreal on June 20.
 
They need interested supporters to fill the remaining seats.  You must be a Canada fan, and understand that because this is a supporters' section, you'll be on your feet and chanting the whole game.
 
For more information, check out the Voyageurs website, or e-mail trip organizer Duane Rollins directly.
 
Should be an epic adventure!

  1. Duane Rollins from Toronto, Canada writes: Those of us that were beating the drums of protest last year are still here. However, many of us are taking a wait and see approach through the qualifying campaign. Many of those that supported us during the Black Wednesday protest feel that more protests at this time would be too distracting for the players. Although I don't personally share that view, I respect those that have asked that we not make a formal call of protest at World Cup games.

    As Ben has kindly pointed out, many of us have instead focused our efforts at ensuring that the national team is supported fully at the Montreal qualifier. We'd love to see a few new faces out on June 20...
  2. Joe Serge from Canada writes: Only in Canada do you have to say "Must be a Canada fan."

    :-0
  3. Andrew Chobaniuk from North Vancouver, Canada writes: I'll be flying in to see the game, cant wait! 'Caps on Tuesday, Canada on Friday
  4. Gary Russell from Toronto, Canada writes: Someone with visibility and a national audience is asking useful questions in a public manner about the CSA and their horrendous performance at the elite level.

    Soccer Canada would be an excellent step. The Crawford Report makes interesting reading. Will we need our own independent review before any practical change takes place here in Canada?

    Thank you, Ben
  5. zoltan malev from Vancouver, Canada writes: Intriguing, the idea of TFC, the Whitecaps and Impact forming a new Canadian Soccer Federation. The best way to break up the CSA monopoly is to watch our best young players gravitate towards these pro academies rather than the provincial associations. Really would deal a (another) blow to the CSA's relevance. The last hurdle will be the Sepp bribe to get the new CSF into FIlthFA.
  6. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: The problem is that CSA is relying on arguments that can only fly,because their audience are "soccer moms" and "uncles from down the road",who don't really give a hood whether Canada makes any Word Cup anywhere and/or any players will advance somewhere at all.. These "volunteers" are a convenient way to silent the "minority" of us who really care and would like to see good soccer,coming from Canada,so not every decent player has to move out of the entire country just to find a good environment for their development. CSA gets something like 7 bucks a head from this crazy system of provincially run soccer,which is major part of their funding. I think the answer is that the "provincial bodies" should just concentrate on local recreational issues and have much more limited say to the the direction of the real soccer in this country. Man ohh man,I saw some "developmental" and "mini-soccer" training recently{just yesterday in Winnipeg}} with all these poor fellows{coaches} just helpless and uncapable to deliver even a rezamblence of a soccer training session. I don't care what they do,it's awful.The most awfull waste of time for these kids you can imagine...No soccer training,just shifting the poor little kids from place to place for the parents entertainment,who actually watch this and want to see goals...{from 5 year olds}... These kids should be there an hour a day with their own ball playing and trying out stuff,not "playing games".....10 of these litttle guys chasing 1 ball?...INSANE!!!!! There is no way that any player will become better as a result,especially now since they started to chew up 5 year olds,playing games outhere and scoring goals etc... Just an insane theater.... Either way,regular grass turf should be layed in TFC Stadium for the outdoor and the "artifical " one can be used again in the winter... It only costs something like 100K to put the grass there? Why is not grass on the BMO field right now,is beyond me...??!!!
  7. Ben Knight from Canada writes:

    Okay, Random, I've got to call you on something.

    Make a distinction -- please! -- between recreational and elite soccer. The people you're ripping in this comment aren't there to develop the next Owen Hargreaves. They're there to see that the kids in their neighbourhood have fun.

    If you want to go after the way elite players are developed in Canada, I'm right there with you. What the heck are we even getting from our provincial soccer associations?

    But you right like you can't tell the difference between fun and never again qualifying for the World Cup. And that's very harsh treatment for thousands of fine folk who are thinking only about their kids and their local house league.

    If there isn't room for that in soccer, I'm getting off now.
  8. Ben Knight from Canada writes:

    And that should be "write" instead of "right" above. That's what I get for typing aloud! :-)
  9. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: Ben,you are preaching to the converter and teaching an old eagle how to fly....{an old snake how to hiss}

    FUN is part of soccer and will always be...That is an automatic when it is done right...

    I can tell you that those "pretenders" I spoke of above,neither understand that and/or create fun for those poor little things out there...

    How can a 5 year old have fun ,having an incompetent trainer ruinng his afternoon?

    The Elite soccer will only happen if a certain percantage of the "tire kickers" will become dedicated and good at the game...

    I have a good track record...2 for 2...my own kids.

    If zero{0%} percent will become good then the effort lacks merrit and purpuse and is disrespectfull and very bad for the potential great players that are "chewed up" in it.....

    It just becomes a "race to the bottom".....celebrating who is worse then the other instead of celebrating brilliancy.
  10. Ben Knight from Canada writes:

    Random, I'm glad I don't see the world the way you do.

    Onward!
  11. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: Hi Ben,it's not about you see the World etc...

    It's about when soccer will be seriously treated and trained everywhere in Canada...

    Why do you harp at the CSA if you aren't willing to insist on the basics,at least?

  12. Link Hogbrow from Canada writes: Just a thought, perhaps unrelated, probably not ...

    No Argos at BMO please ! This is a soccer specific stadium artificial surface or no artificial surface. What's going on at BMO is a good thing. Why we always want to fix things that aren't broken beats me ... it happens over and over again.
  13. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: Link...

    They{TFC} really need real grass to play soccer/football on...

    American Football should be played somewhere else...I agree....
  14. zoltan malev from Vancouver, Canada writes: Real grass at BMO.... no Argos at BMO. Please.
  15. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: Zoltan Malev{nice Bulgarian name,if real}...

    Good comment....
  16. Richard Howes from Vancouver, Canada writes: Ben, you missed one important reform badly needed at the CSA. The largely amateur board members many of whom have divided loyalties because they are double hatted by definition, must withdraw from all everyday executive duties and responsibilities at the CSA and confine their activities to setting policy and giving direction. The organisation should be run by a professional ceo or general secretary with a team of professionals under him who is responsible for executing the board's directions and is accountable to the board. That's why board members are called directors not executives.
  17. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: Richard Howes....

    You are asleep...This all have been done...{pretend and on the surface}

    But good thinking....
  18. Arend Zantinge from Kitchener, Canada writes: First a technical fact: All countries have soccer moms. The key motivation needs to come from the players themselves.

    Focusing on what gets done with 5 year olds in Canada is focusing on the wrong age group. If anything we tend to over-organize this age group.

    The real focus in development needs to be on the self-motivation of and the training of players over the age of 12. A motivated teen is more likely to work at his skills and technique on their own than a bored one that waits until practices to work on them. From my experience, that is the biggest difference between Canada and the soccer powers of the world.

    The solution may be more involvement from professional development clubs at that age group. Their is also a role to play for professional teams like TFC, Whitecaps, Impact and others that may come along. On that point, any organization put in place to represent professional teams should not act as a means to limit the development of other professional soccer ventures.
  19. Charles Atlas from Coast-to-Coast, Canada writes: We've seen it all lately: lawsuits, infighting, and underperformance across the board. The CSA has proved themselves inept and incapable to right the ship, self-govern or heal. They cannot and will not bring about the massive changes to their organization the growth and maturity of the sport in Canada has neccesitated, and how long it goes on from here is up to us.

    Ben, you are already about three steps away from the Hall of Fame.
  20. Charles Atlas from Coast-to-Coast, Canada writes: We've seen it all lately: lawsuits, infighting, and underperformance across the board. The CSA has proved themselves inept and incapable to right the ship, self-govern or heal. They cannot and will not bring about the massive changes to their organization the growth and maturity of the sport in Canada has neccesitated, and how long it goes on from here is up to us.

    Ben, you are already about three steps away from the Hall of Fame.
  21. Randy Wachtin from Victoria, Canada writes: Question.
    How much accountability is held by the Federal Government's Heritage Branch that governs Sport Canada and supports National Sports Organizations including the CSA if there is a majority concensus for transparency, accountability and truthfully, overhauling change?

    Is there an avenue for frustrated members of the CSA (assuming parents or players in affiliated youth & adult soccer programs to the CSA, are members) to challenge the governance of the CSA? Is this what the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre is for?

    I'd like to know.
  22. Ben Knight from Canada writes:

    Part of the problem, Randy, is that FIFA has a nasty knee-jerk way of banning countries whose governments intervene in the running of national soccer bodies.

    They're strong enough to do it. Greece got briefly whacked after they won Europe four years ago.
  23. Randy Wachtin from Victoria, Canada writes: ...thus the FIlthFA comment I read earlier.

    I guess we will continue to deliver the Harvgreaves' to Europe for their development until the Whitecaps/TFC/Impact pathway is proven.

    ...or until the CSA cleans house and reinvents itself
  24. Ben Knight from Canada writes: I'm really starting to think we should be looking far, far beyond the CSA. I think it's up to the pro teams, the local clubs, and any brilliant idea -- or huge pile of cash -- anyone can come up with.

    We simply cannot wait for the CSA to get it.
  25. John Bladen from Ed - Land, Canada writes: I agree, Ben.

    We keep trying to run our system with one agency, and a fatally flawed one at that. I have no problem with an agency funded through tax (or user fee) dollars focusing on the kid's game and recreational opportunities etc. But we can't leave the game at the highest level to them... their constituents aren't able to deal with that (and you should in no way take this as a defense of their horrendous performance, specifically the pathetic support they have shown the women's team).

    No other nation approaches the upper end of the game this way, no other (major team) sport is administered this way. Even we don't run our national team this way in hockey... yes it is 'generally' administered by Hockey Canada, but the actual competition & development sides haven't been run by them for years.

    In my view, the CSA just needs to get out of the way and let TFC, the 'Caps, and the Impact develop their own systems... with luck, in ten years or so, we'll have a pdl or USL-2 equivalent league (which the three professional clubs will have a hand in developing, hopefully) that will be an intermediate step for those wanting to play professionally at home. There is no magic wand to fix our 'talent drain' to Europe. And frankly, if I had a 10yr old wanting to develop as a professional player, I'd be doing him/her a disservice by advising them to stay in Canada. It takes time to fix that, but we must start today. I think the pro teams have already begun this process, and it is up to us to support them.

    As for Comments on the CSA... I think we view them as America does the current president.... no complaints, we just want them to disappear.
  26. Random Person from Heard and Mc Donald Islands writes: People,what we need is to have Regional/Divisional Elite Leagues,such as the AAA Hockey does and play town vs. town,city vs. city selected teams...

    Almost as an expandtion of the Provincial teams...

    You can not have Boards of Directors of these ,so called,soccer clubs populated by people who only want to make sure that their own kid gets on the best team and / or are there to actually stop progress and drill holes into the ship as some,very few are inside the ship unloading the water coming in...

    Basically,soccer is being sabotaged and the real culprets are hidding behind the skirts of the so called soccer moms,who don't care about what soccer is played as they don't watch the "game",but their kids{which always look great to them}...

    I was told by a CSA official one time that CSA doesn't care if all of the one million registered "players" trip over the ball,as long as they are registered....

Join the Conversation, Leave a Comment

This conversation is semi-moderated What is moderation? | How do I report a comment?

You must be logged-in to submit a comment — login now!

Not registered with globeandmail.com? Register now. It is quick and free.

close

Alert us about this comment

Please let us know if this reader’s comment breaks the editor's rules and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.

Do not use this to complain about comments that don’t break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.

Back to On Soccer

Back to top