Obviously, the prodigies (like Rooney) will be easily spotted and moved into the spotlight, but the real success of a national team effort lies in “depth.” I swear the Brasilians and the Argentines have such quality depth that they could field 3, maybe 4, national squads with little noticeable loss in quality. That’s the depth that once was England but is no more. And that’s the depth that can only come from encouraging the game at the lowest levels, teaching the youngest to develop their skills, motivating them to express their creativity and individuality and yet keeping them connected to the “team.”

I think there is a great deal of room for the FA to improve the quality of schoolboy/youth football in England. And I think that goes double for us in the USA. But with leaders like you who epitomize the rewards of hard work, dedication, diligence to the craft, and commitment to personal and team improvement, the youth in the Puget Sound area have a real, tangible role model to emulate. I hope our youth are not blinded by the glitz of success, but focus on the satisfaction that comes through personal effort.

The questions now is who will be the next great British export abroad?

There is a belief that English players need to play abroad to develop their game, and improve the state of the national team. But the Premier league is the most exciting and most financially lucrative league in the world, so why would they move?

I’ve been a “Sounders” fan since ‘74 and I hope the “Sounders” tradition continues in the MLS. Coming from Leeds, you know how important tradition is to football fans and supporters as well as the players. I grew up cheering for “Gentleman” John Charles, one of Leeds’ and football’s all-time greats, although Spurs was always my favorite in England…still is. But living in the Puget Sound area for over 50 years, my heart bleeds “Sounders.”

Good luck this season. The team is so fortunate to have your leadership.