For the last two years there has been a movement to get the youth soccer community to be more aware of the big picture of the sport. The true keys here are the coaches and coaching directors of club. Those that work daily with youth players are empowered with the responsibility of providing young players with a soccer experience that includes more than just winning or losing.
I have long written columns about the importance of young players getting out to live game experiences. How fortunate are we to have professional soccer in our town. Let alone international soccer with the Dynamo playing competition from Mexico.
Last year we tried to get many to understand that regular league play in our youth community should be abandoned in the afternoon of the MLS Cup. Many listening but were handcuffed by un-moved league officials who would not re-schedule.
Great postive news now and it is being led by Director of coaching Olivier Finidori of the Cy-Fair Dynamos who has gotten the ball rolling.
Finidori was the first to tell his club without being urged that the Dynamo/Pachuca on August 14th would be a day off from practice that would enable all to attend or watch on tv. Other clubs and even South Texas Youth Soccer Association quickly followed understanding this opportunity to create awareness for the sport and the Dynamo in Houston.
Clubs that have cancelled or moved practice:
Cy-Fair Dynamos- DOC- Olivier Finidori
Texas Premier- DOC Carlos Lessa
Texans FC- DOC Lee Baker
Texas Rush- DOC Don Gemmell
Texas Soccer Club boys- DOC Scott Dymond
These DOC’s are providing leadership by making these choices. Making a difference in soccer means making decisions that benefit community and the players. So often we hear about doing it for the kids, this is doing it for the kids.
I expect more clubs to follow suit here.
Now these coaching directors get it and understand this is of importance for young players in any soccer club. If clubs don’t buy into this you have to wonder what type of soccer education is being passed on. The rarity of international soccer and our city and team on display does not come around often.
I also applaud STYSA President Ed Loucks for have a governing body endorse this.
Now on to the separate issue of apparently someone in the position of power in scheduling who has made the irresponsible statement that David Beckham is not going to be in Houston with the LA Galaxy when they play each other in October.
Clearly this is fabricated but more importantly this is dangerous rumor-mongering from someone in a position of authority.
MLS has not said that he won’t be here, the Galaxy has not said he won’t be here and neither has Beckham himself.
As for England manager Steve McClaren he hasn’t even decided on Beckham for the future.
Damaging stuff from someone supposedly in the position of responsibility.
It is high time that all be held accountable and responsible in something as important as the youth community.
Volunteer or not , accountability is a must.
Your thoughts.
Glenn Davis

The Dynamo Power Hour with Glenn Davis tonite on 790 the Sports Animal comes live from the Mezzanine Lounge at Sheperd and 59. Dynamo players will be in attendance and guests on the show include :
U.S. National team coach Bob Bradley
Dynamo Striker Chris Wondoloski
Call in number is 713-212-5790