The rapid growth of the Open Pyramid movement
Recently we have witnessed several online polls (HERE and HERE) show that American soccer fans are actually in support of an Open Pyramid over our currently Closed System.
A question not really answered is how many leagues and clubs actually want an Open Pyramid. We all know that MLS’s Don Garber and Mark Abbot has came out that they want to keep the system closed with the only way to join to be the owners paying a hefty fee and not through merit on the field.
Today the NPSL via Chairman Joe Barone joined Jurgen Klinsmann and came out in support of an Open Pyramid with access for clubs via merit on the field.
Working 24/7, Barone dedicates his time to making the NPSL a success. Barone, who does not take a salary from NPSL, is a fan of Jurgen Klinsman’s vision for soccer in this country. Personally he would like to see the MLS-NASL-USLPRO-NPSL-PDL unify to allow promotion / relegation, the NPSL to be the foundation of the US Soccer development pyramid with over 100 profitable teams in 100 communities. Barone is definitely a force changing soccer in America.
Pair NPSL’s 65+ current clubs with NASL’s stated stance that they are for an Open Pyramid as well and that brings us to over 75 clubs with a stated wish to see merit on the field decide your level of play, not the size of your owners bank account.
While USL-Pro as a league has not come out with a stated position on whether they are for or against an Open Pyramid St Louis FC’s new Head Coach Dale Shilly when asked his feelings on #ProRelForUSA joined others who have also came out in support of an open pyramid.
.@zellerbrook Dale: “I would love a promotion/relegation system in the U.S. It’d be interesting to see how it would work.” #GetSchilly
— Saint Louis FC (@SaintLouisFC) February 2, 2015
In addition to these national leagues several high quality state and regional leagues have shown that they are moving toward an Open Pyramid model on their local level. The Evergreen Premier League of Washington, the UPSL Pro Premier Division in California, Champions Soccer League USA in Florida and the Louisiana State Premier League all moving toward this end goal, bringing the numbers of clubs to well over 100.
Now lets add to polls showing most fans, 6 leagues, 100+ clubs, USL-Pro clubs on record and the USMNT Coach and USSF Technical Director all on board for an Open Pyramid this eye opening tweet …
Spoke with a #USMNT player today. Here’s his quote:”I would say 99% of ambitious players/coaches here would be in support of pro/rel.”
— Sean Monaghan (@SeanMonaghanPDX) January 30, 2015
Every day it appears more and more people are joining the calls for an Open Pyramid… join in on the discussion online using the #ProRelForUSA hashtag on twitter!
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