PROJECT YEAR ZERO

A Practical Plan to Unite Every American Club in an Open and FIFA-Compliant System

The fastest way to find the best solution to a problem is to think of how something could and should work best if started from scratch with no limitations. There are many issues within US Soccer. Project Year Zero outlines solutions to the dysfunction, disorganization, and disunity within the United States Soccer Federation.

PROBLEM: The US Soccer system is the sum of disconnected parts.

SOLUTION: A national interconnected system of leagues for Adult teams and one for Youth teams.

METHOD: A national league system that follows FIFA’s policy of Sporting Merit, otherwise known as Promotion and Relegation, and is fully FIFA-compliant.

IMPLEMENTATION: A national league system that is open to every club, regardless of club sanctioning.

PART ONE

Soccer Works Ep. 31

INTRODUCTION

On Episode 31 of Soccer Works we begin a multi-part series entitled "Project Year Zero" where we lay out solutions to the dysfunction, disorganization, and disunity within the United States Soccer Federation. The title of the project is a tribute to the late Jim Hart, who along with others like Jon Townsend worked towards the advancement of soccer as an open and accessible sport in the United States.

PART TWO

Soccer Works Ep. 32

SOLVING THE SILO PROBLEM IN US SOCCER

How do we connect every club, in every community, in every age group, and in every level (amateur to professional)? The answer is a national interconnected system of leagues.

PART THREE

Soccer Works Ep. 33

THE NSL IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

On Episode 33 of Soccer Works we look at how the NSL would be open access and provide the opportunity for any sanctioned club to participate.

PART FOUR

Soccer Works Ep. 34

IMPLEMENTING THE NSL

On Episode 34 of Soccer Works we look at implementing the NSL under the current rules of US Soccer.

PART FIVE

Soccer Works Ep. 35

A FIFA COMPLIANT NSL

On Episode 35 of Soccer Works we look at a FIFA compliant NSL under the current rules of US Soccer.

PART SIX

Soccer Works Ep. 36

COMMON LEAGUE STANDARDS

On Episode 36 of Soccer Works we look at the common league standards necessary for an open league system of connected leagues.

PART SEVEN

Soccer Works Ep. 37

THE NSL LEAGUE CALENDAR

On Episode 37 of Soccer Works we look at the NSL League Calendar and why a shift to a Fall to Spring Calendar is necessary to fully maximize an open system.

PART EIGHT

Soccer Works Ep. 38

THE REVENUE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NSL CLUBS

On Episode 38 of Soccer Works we look at the revenue opportunities for NSL clubs and how an open system can improve club viability.

PART NINE

Soccer Works Ep. 39

HOW TO IMPROVE THE VIABILITY OF NSL CLUBS

On Episode 39 of Soccer Works we look at how to improve the viability of NSL clubs.

PART TEN

Soccer Works Ep. 40

THE PERCEPTION OF THE NSL

On Episode 40 of Soccer Works we look at the importance and opportunity to raise the perception of the NSL.

PART ELEVEN

Soccer Works Ep. 41

THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE NSL

On Episode 41 of Soccer Works we look at the commercialization opportunities for the NSL.

PART TWELVE

Soccer Works Ep. 42

THE POLICY THAT MAKES AN OPEN SYSTEM POSSIBLE

On Episode 42 of Soccer Works we look at Policy 601-2, Section 2. It is the policy that makes an open system possible within US Soccer.

PART THIRTEEN

Soccer Works Ep. 43

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN OPEN SYSTEM

On Episode 43 of Soccer Works we look at the sponsorship opportunities for an open system including a $100 million conversation with a TV executive.

PART FOURTEEN

Soccer Works Ep. 44

THE FINAL INSTALLMENT OF PROJECT YEAR ZERO

On Episode 44 of Soccer Works we look at where we go from here and who needs to take action.