Landon Donovan says America is missing soccer talent because kids can’t afford to play.
“Only 2% of kids playing organized soccer in America came from households that made less than $50,000.”
“If you don’t make $50,000, your kid cannot play organized soccer.”
“Think about how many kids you’re missing out on in this country because they can’t afford to play the game.”
“There is zero chance I could have played club soccer.”
“My mom made $34,000 a year, single mom raising three kids.”
“She couldn’t pay $4,000 for me to play club. Are you kidding? She couldn’t pay $400.”
“That’s not a good system to create good players.”
I’m so lucky. In my 41 years of sports fandom, I’ve seen Messi, Jordan and Lebron, Serena, Crosby, Ohtani, & Tiger. My Seahawks win 2 Super Bowls, the Cubs, Sox, and Knicks end decades long curses. Simone, Phelps, and Bolt. And somehow in all that: Oregon never winning a Natty.
A beautiful tweet.
Mitch Johnson
• Born/raised in Seattle
• Dad JJ on his shirt (‘79 champs)
• Seahawks on his cap
• O’Dea class of ‘05
• Played & coached at Seattle Rotary
San Antonio Head Coach - Go Spurs!