Three years ago, Gordon Jago returned to his native England to meet Queen Elizabeth II at her palace. He was given specific instructionsfor the encounter: When she extends her right hand, that’s the signal it’s over. Shake her hand, back off four paces, bow, turn to your right, go off. Jago first came to the […]
Mike Woitalla
Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla has written freelance articles about soccer for more than 30 media outlets in nine nations. The winner of eight United Soccer Coaches Writing Contest awards, he is the author of two books. He coaches and referees youth soccer, and is a "Soccer Without Borders" volunteer.
Posted inStory
Youth Beat: A Nation Gone Tournament Mad
If you’ve been wondering why tournament play has become such a major part of the youth soccer experience, follow the money. Children might consider youth soccer tournaments just a matter of playing different teams in new places, hanging out with their teammates for a few days, and maybe getting a shiny trophy. Little do they […]