Can we beat the struggle?

The difficulties that soccer clubs from southern Indiana have competing against the best in the state was plain for all to see in recent weeks.

Five of our best teams, from Southern Indiana United and Net-Surfers, went to the preliminary rounds of the Indiana State Cup, part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship series. Between them, they played 15 games and came home without a single win.

While none was expected to seriously challenge for a state title, and a few of them were happy to have made progress to the point that they were now competing with the best teams in Indiana, the net result was still disappointing to those whose wish is to see progress.

There are a number of reasons why teams from this area have trouble competing with the rest of the state.

Firstly, we lack the indoor facilities of a Mockingbird or Javanon, where youth can play all year round.

Secondly, younger players from the bigger cities like Indianapolis and Louisville have more exposure to the game due to so many older siblings having played it. These are usually better technically.

However, that is something that can change over time (which I’m getting to), and the introduction of academy programs here at SIU and Net-Surfers should help somewhat in this regard.

Thirdly, those local players that are talented normally end up playing with one of the bigger Louisville clubs as they offer greater success when it comes to winning trophies, and a better opportunity to be spotted when it comes to scholarships being handed out.

Fourthly, there isn't a soccer culture in southern Indiana, where basketball is king.

Personally, I believe all of these hurdles can be overcome to an extent where southern Indiana can hold its own and achieve greater success – if that’s what it wants.

The catalyst, I believe, would be an indoor sports facility. And it doesn’t have to be just for soccer, of course. This could be a concerted effort across the board along with other sports, local business and politicians.

Easier said than done, says you, but there are those with influence in Jeffersonville and New Albany who could help make it happen sooner rather than later, and many families with the desire to put in the hard graft to help it happen if needs be. If you build it, they will come, as they say.

I lived in a very working class area of Dublin beside a public park where someone -- in the council's planning department, I presume -- came up with the idea to build tennis courts. All of a sudden, kids into the dominant sports of gaelic football, soccer and hurling were spending their summer days and nights playing a game more associated in Ireland with folks with fancy cars and big houses, or the "poshies" as we called them.

None of us had tennis in our blood but for a few years, while the courts remained free from vandalism and coaching and competition was provided through a local government based program, it thrived.

So if you have a facility that can keep the players here, and maybe attract players in the opposite direction for a change, you're on the right track.

Actually, on the subject of players going across the bridge to Louisville, Southern Indiana United reports that it is beginning to see more players coming back to the club. Could this be the kick start the area needs? Next week, we talk to some families who explain why staying put works better for them.