Mitchell Murray

Syracuse University Alum. #LFCFamily. YNWA. Father and Husband.

[Stan Collymore @StanCollymore]

Why the USA will never be a football superpower.

Pay to play.

In England, from 10 to 16 I payed junior football. The teams were mostly started by a parent who wanted, for free, to give kids a team to play in. Those teams then joined FA sanctioned leagues ( Lichfield league, Walsall league in my case). Subs were about 50p a game ( subs are a fee for admin, pitch hire, referee).

The model in England hasn't changed much, save for the fact there's fewer teams and fewer leagues. But the cheap to play model, meaning the poor and rich can play equally, holds.

I'm staying with one of my best mates in Miami. Had a late night conversation 2 nights ago. 2 kids that play football.

$4000 per season, per child to play for a team.

Why?

US junior leagues are private enterprises (shock). The US equivalent of the Football Association offers no grassroots football, no level 1 to 3 cheap badges for Moms or Dads to take so they can coach the basics, no structure locally or nationally of organised leagues, just profiteers who start up a league, charge a fortune, and if you're a poor Messi-esque talent from the wrong part of Miami, sure you can buy a ball and play on a patch of grass, but forget organised football, you can't afford it.

So imagine, in a nation of 350 million, how many kids they're missing out on and will continue to after this successful World Cup for them.

Money, greed, pay to play.

99.9% of greats to play the game wouldn't have made it in America. Because they couldn't afford $4000 ( plus) to play. In subs my Mom probably paid £200 total over 6 or 7 years of junior football.

America, it's not all about money you know, it's about opportunity for all too. And you're pricing generation after generation out of the chance to be a part of this incredible sport you've seen first hand.

To the US Federation. Do fucking better. Organise local and national junior leagues, van profiteering, offer cheap coaching badges for parents who want to give their time for free to America's kids.

Football. Accessible to all.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Carson Hocevar’s pit crew working out here as if they’re wearing actual jeans. #CocaCola600

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Having Bruce back on @PrichardShow is like sitting down to breakfast with my grandfather again. That’s about as big a compliment I have, thanks @HeyHeyItsConrad

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@GiantsNationPod Me too Coach, me too

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@GOP And what was the consumer price index you power hungry, constituent selling out, throne kneeling trash?

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@JalenMilroe is a bad man

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@WWE Original Bloodline w/Sami against new Bloodline at SS WarGames match. Make it happen.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@DaveOCKOP I love it so much, Allison was always his favorite wasn’t he? 🥹

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

What’s the saying, “These are the good old days”…

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Jacoby repping the IC title at #WWERochester after spending his afternoon watching Crown Jewel

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@DetroitRedWings We need wallpapers for the Cat! Let’s get on it Red Wings twitter, I mean X.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Sitting on the floor with Jacoby, he can’t wait for Cody at #WWESyracuse

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Don’t know why, but I needed this today.

[Liverpool FC USA @LFCUSA]

Merry Christmas from the boss ❤️🎄

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@Cuse_MBB I miss Boeheim in suits

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Putting everyone on notice

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@noahglobal @HeyHeyItsConrad I get we are supposed to suspend disbelief, but I can’t with the head down for 5 seconds while someone does unnecessary gymnastics to perform a move that could be accomplished half dozen different ways that all make more sense. I’m turning into Cornette, forgive me.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

Cute graphic, but those FSU teams would boatrace Clemson of the last 3 years.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@FmrDivaCherry @chrissmith4real Interested as well, looks like dms are closed though.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@HeyHeyItsConrad This buildup has been the most fun I’ve had in wrestling for some time. Well done to all of you, and can’t wait until Sunday.

[Mitchell Murray @mitchiea1223]

@DDawkins66 is such a gifted writer that I hope when his playing days are done, he’s tells us his story and the story of his time as a Bill in a book.