The US Soccer Pyramid | What About the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association
What if Instead of Soccer Community Stakeholders endlessly hoping that their local NCAA University started a Men’s soccer program they invested more in the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association?
There are university towns all over the United States without men’s soccer programs and local soccer communities hoping that eventually their school will find funding to host a NCAA or NAIA member team. What if there was a solution that could not only benefit these soccer communities but also revolutionize the US Soccer pyramid? Enter the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).
The NIRSA has the potential to be a true game changer for US Soccer and enhance the US Soccer Pyramid. By joining forces with communities without men’s soccer programs, these student-athletes would have another pathway to play at the highest levels while also pursuing their academic goals. Instead of struggling to find financing for NCAA or NAIA teams, these communities could join the NIRSA and play in the lower tiers of the US Soccer divisions.
Not only would this provide more opportunities for student-athletes, but it would also allow players to be paid for their performances. This would be a major shift away from the current system, where NCAA and NAIA athletes cannot be compensated for their skills. By offering a paid option through the NIRSA, the US Soccer pyramid would grow and potentially attract more talented players.
The NIRSA has a proven track record of success in collegiate intramural and recreational sports. By expanding their reach to include lower tiers of the US Soccer divisions, they have the potential to change the face of soccer in America. This could be especially beneficial in areas where the sport is still growing and struggling to find adequate resources.
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Overall, the potential benefits of the NIRSA for US Soccer are enormous. With an expanded reach and a commitment to the development of student-athletes, the NIRSA could truly be a game changer. Let’s hope that more communities and universities take notice and consider joining forces with the NIRSA to help grow the US Soccer Pyramid and the game of soccer across the country.