Reviving American Soccer: An Interview with John Harkes
The journey of American soccer has been one of resilience, growth, and progress. John Harkes, a pivotal figure in U.S. soccer, offers a compelling narrative of this journey, reflecting on the past, present, and future of the sport. In an exclusive interview with RG.org, Harkes shares insights into the crucial moments that have shaped the game in America, from its resurgence in the 1990s to its aspirations for global prominence.
A Pivotal Moment for U.S. Soccer
Reflecting on the significance of the early 90s, Harkes notes, "We were still trying to establish ourselves. From 1990, it was the first time we qualified for the World Cup in 40 years." This achievement marked a turning point for U.S. soccer, rekindling interest in the sport across the nation.
"The days of the NESL, North American Soccer League, where I was growing up in New Jersey, I was 18 minutes away from Giant Stadium where the Cosmos played. I grew up knowing the passion of the game."
The path to the World Cup was not without its challenges. Harkes recalls how "we qualified in Trinidad and Tobago on the last day of qualification," highlighting the determination and grit that characterized the team's journey. The subsequent success in the 1994 World Cup hosted on home soil further bolstered soccer's standing in the U.S., providing a foundation for its continued growth.
Building on Success
The early success of the U.S. national team and the subsequent hosting of the World Cup laid the groundwork for Major League Soccer (MLS). Harkes reflects on this era: "The positivity that was here in this country after qualifying for '90 was critical for this game to really move forward." The emergence of MLS and its continued expansion is a testament to the passion and dedication that have driven U.S. soccer's growth.
"The opportunities are there to grow this game. Connecting the game to the community is the biggest, number one thing that we do with smaller clubs."
This connection has fostered a thriving soccer culture in the U.S., supported by a growing fan base and dedicated players.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Looking to the future, Harkes acknowledges the potential for soccer to continue flourishing in the U.S., particularly with the country set to co-host the 2026 World Cup. He states, "The opportunities are there to grow this game," while recognizing the need to address potential obstacles such as apathy.
"Sustainability is important to make sure you have a league that stays around and doesn't fold like the NASL did."
Harkes stresses the importance of strategic planning and sustainability for MLS to continue its growth trajectory. "Being able to reassess that business plan and strategic planning going forward is really important to make sure you have sustainability," he asserts. This strategic focus, coupled with the continued development of American talent, will be crucial for the league's long-term success.
Sheffield Wednesday and Its Resurgence
The conversation shifts to Sheffield Wednesday, where Harkes spoke to the club's recent performance. "Danny Röhl has come from Germany. He was assistant manager of the German national team. When he came in, Wednesday was at the bottom of the League." He emphasizes the importance of resilience, noting, "I would say to the players now that when you're a professional, you have to have this resilience to continue to believe in yourself. And sometimes it's suffering."
"The club has suffered. I think they can sustain staying in the championship, continue to have the investment, but have a different strategic plan moving forward."
Harkes highlights the historical significance of Sheffield Wednesday and the importance of fostering stronger relationships with the community and partnerships from a financial standpoint. "The owner says, 'I don't just want to run this club just to run it. I want to make it better again.' Let's bring it back up to where it was years ago." Harkes expresses his willingness to contribute to the club's success, saying, “I would love to go over there and coach.”
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
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