BEFORE I EVEN KNEW WHAT SOCCER WAS, I KNEW ABOUT THE OLYMPICS.
Last Friday would have been the Opening Ceremonies of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Now we are less than one year from the re-scheduled games in 2021.
Much remains uncertain. While the WNT has secured its spot, our U-23 Men’s National Team was working to qualify when the global pandemic halted international game play. We’re awaiting news of when that competition can resume again.
Since becoming U.S. MNT General Manager this past January, having our men’s side qualify for the Olympic Games has been a top priority for me.
The Olympics are special. They bring our teams and our country together in extraordinary ways.
I never thought I would get to be part of an Olympics. It was a childhood dream. Olympic rosters for men’s football are restricted to players under 23 years old, with a maximum of three overage players allowed.
After the 2006 FIFA World Cup, I retired from international competition. Two years later, I was asked to join the young MNT squad as an overage player at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
I didn’t hesitate a second. I was totally in.
It was a great team. It had character, togetherness and a unity that was evident very early on.
One thing I will never forget was a conversation ahead of the Opening Ceremonies. Head coach Peter Novak asked me to check with the team if they’d like to attend.
Our first match was just two days later, so I figured everyone would say no. We were focused on the game, and getting there would entail a three hour bus ride, plus sitting in the bleachers for most of the day. Still, we had a team meeting about it anyway.
And to a man, everyone said “I want to go to the Opening Ceremonies.”
Looking back, I’m so glad we did. While I’d seen tournament openers before, this was a magnitude all its own. It was so special to walk with the other Olympians, soak in the atmosphere at the stadium and see the Olympic torch lit.
Being able to celebrate it together as a team I think made us even tighter. Two days later, we won our opening match against Japan, 2-0.
The Olympics are full of surprises and spectacular moments that can take our breath away.
LOOKING AHEAD
While our WNT has qualified for next summer, there are still challenges that await our U-23 MNT. Building championship teams to represent our country takes tremendous dedication, hard work and critical resources.
We all have something to give to make Olympic dreams possible. The “team behind the team” at every level is critical to its success.
High Performance staff maximize players’ on-field output. Coaches work tirelessly to develop players with character who make an impact on the field. Administrative staff make sure we’re in the best possible position to rest, move forward, and make each gathering matter.
So many people help us along the way. Will you be part of this team behind the team?
Donate today to support the U.S. Soccer Development Fund. Even a small gift of $11 – representing a dollar for each player in a starting lineup – will help fund vital programs to develop the next generation of world-class players, coaches and National Teams that inspire us all.
Your donation now will mean more than ever as we face a difficult year with unforeseen challenges and financial strain brought on by COVID-19.
I hope you won’t hesitate to join our team by donating now. There is so much to look forward to, and it takes all of us to bring childhood dreams to life.
Sincerely,
Brian McBride
General Manager, U.S. Men’s National Team
U.S. Soccer Federation
