Coach Tom's update from Seoul - Day 3

UNITED Supporters,

Today is Friday September 11.

United coach Kim Un Bong and I meet with Mr. Lee the CEO for the 2002 World Cup and a Korean Football Association Staff Coach. Mr. Lee was very interested in discussing a few topics about America: 1, women’s college soccer and the details of scholarship opportunities for Korean players 2, the upcoming U20 Men’s World Cup and the United States 3, is it possible to bring youth national teams to the USA?

Kim and I explained the various divisions of women’s college soccer and there differences. The female soccer programs in Korea are becoming popular and the expectations are growing. The idea of soccer for women after high school is a new thought process for Korean families. Soccer, until recently has been a male dominated sport in Korea. Mr. Lee was very interested in sending his strongest U16 and U17 players to the United States to play in college showcase tournaments for recruitment possibilities. College opportunities in America are seen as desirable to Korean families.

The U20 World Cup will begin in Egypt at the end of September. The United States is grouped with Germany, Cameroon and yes South Korea. I told Mr. Lee I knew nothing about the US team but was happy to discuss the Korean team. In reality, I do not know much about this age group. We laughed and moved on to the next subject of bringing youth national teams to the United States,

Korea is starting a new identification program for U12 Boys and terming it ‘National Teams’. The purpose of this program is to identify large pools of players and begin the development process earlier. Mr. Lee wants these identified players to travel to the USA to begin the education process of what it takes to be successful player away from home. He wants the players to learn about time zones, jet lag, and different environments. Learning these lessons at an early age will only improve Korea’s chances at winning world championships at the U17 World Cup, U20 World Cup, the Olympics, the Asia Cup and the World Cup. Kim explained his teams were invited anytime.

Have a super Timbers night,

Tom Atencio

Director of Coaching and Player Development
Tualatin Hills United Soccer Club

GO SODIUM!!