U.S. Soccer and US Club Soccer Announce Shared Services Partnership
The U.S. Soccer Federation has recently formed a strategic partnership with US Club Soccer. This collaboration is part of U.S. Soccer’s Pathways Strategy aimed at enhancing the game across various levels. The initiative seeks to make soccer more affordable, increase participation, and develop world-class talent for national teams.
Details of the Partnership
The newly established managed services agreement (MSA) includes significant changes in operational management. Previously, Wasserman, a global sports and entertainment company, managed US Club Soccer’s operations. In this new arrangement, U.S. Soccer will assume control of key back-end operations, enhancing support in areas such as:
- Human Resources (HR)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Finance
This shift will allow both organizations to concentrate on improving services for clubs and leagues across the country.
Goals of the Pathways Strategy
The Pathways Strategy has outlined three primary goals:
- Lowering the costs associated with running soccer programs
- Expanding access and opportunities for all participants
- Enhancing the overall soccer experience for players, coaches, parents, referees, leagues, and clubs
According to Dan Helfrich, U.S. Soccer’s Chief Operating Officer, the primary objective is to serve every player, coach, and referee effectively. He emphasized the need for a youth soccer system that is transparent, affordable, and user-friendly.
Implications for US Club Soccer
Mike Cullina, CEO of US Club Soccer, highlighted the importance of this partnership in unifying the sport. His leadership will guide the transition, ensuring that operations for US Club Soccer’s staff, clubs, and over 800,000 participants remain consistent. They will also gain easier access to U.S. Soccer’s resources and support.
Future Collaborations
U.S. Soccer is also seeking additional managed services agreements with other National Associations. These collaborations aim to improve coordination and create a more connected competitive landscape, aligning with the Pathways Strategy.
This partnership marks a significant step for both organizations in their commitment to soccer development in the United States. For more information on the Pathways Strategy, visit El-Balad.
