16981: Corbett comments on Haitian soccer

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

>From Bob Corbett

The comments from both VISHNUSURF and Kathleen have some merit, but I
think it is important to keep a realistic view of Haitian soccer.  The
young men one sees in places like Champs de Mars and in the rural areas
like the Plateau Central do show some flair and talent.  However, those
players are, from the perspective of international soccer and Haiti's
chances there, already hopeless. There just won't be any new Peles
discovered in that manner.

More hopeful is the work of Bobby Duval's soccer programs and things of
that nature.  Contemporary international soccer is well-developed.
Players begin organized and trained soccer early, even pre-school.  All
nations serious about soccer have youth programs and only gradually, over
many years, do the players develop the skills, talents, and get the
training in team-play necessary for international success.

The U.S. is an interesting case here since it has embraced youth soccer
with a vengence, pours more money into youth soccer than the entire
national budget for the NATION of Haiti.  Yet, after 20 + years of this
expenditure the U.S. men's teams are still woefully weak and the best U.S.
club teams couldn't compete in the second or third leagues in England, the
Continent or South America.

The appointment of a solid coach for the Haitian national team is very
important, and hopefully he can take the better players that arise among
the youth and mold them into a competitive team internationally.

However, I'll put my hopes in the sort of programs Bobby Duval has in
raising players up with the basic skills and training necessary to work
successfully in competitive play at the international level.

Bob Corbett