Informal Free Thinking

I sadly have a confession to make...

I lost interest in the WPS.

It wasn't because of the lack of play, it wasn't because the Kansas City Wizards were doing well. It was primarily because when St. Louis Athletica folded (making my Athletica hat useless), there was no team in my area worth even trying to cheer for...knowing that I'd never see them in person (that and I'm not a Chicago fan).

I've been studying MLS, and looking at their structure, and what they have to offer. To see if I can brainstorm ideas for my section of the United States (this being the area of SW Iowa, SE Nebraska, NE/E Kansas, and NW/W Missouri), and any possibility of growth for the WPS.

Understand, I do know that right now, for financial reasons, expansion may not be a wise idea. It's understood. WPS has not been a complete failure, it's been a struggle, but not a failure. With the FIFA Women's World Cup next year, it should theoretically bolster support for the WPS in the United States.

On top of that, in this region of the US, girls soccer is the sport. In the spring for most smaller schools in the region (remember, midwest) girls have one option: track. That's it. However, there is a grassroots movement that incorporates girls soccer during the spring season. The high school I graduated from still does not have a high school women's soccer team (East Buchanan C-1), but had and has a stellar kids program from age 3 to age 14. Meaning, growth.

I believe that the midwest as a whole is a untapped mine for WPS, in cities such as:
Omaha (recently aquired a MISL team, has hosted a USWNT game, plus has reached out to MLS with interest of getting a team themselves [nice rivalry with KC])
Oklahoma City (Frankly, if it has the NBA it can handle others, plus soccer is huge there)
Dallas (Seriously? It's got one of the largest clubs in the US)

Kansas City (Sits in the middle of it all WITH a MLS team open to working with the WPS and sharing the brand new stadium that is being built with a WPS team, and a HUGE soccer following [like surprisingly large for that city]).

Personally, I'm always a fan of having the WPS in Kansas City. If you haven't seen the new Wizards stadium being built, by all means check it out, it is an incredible sight. Not to mention it is in an amazing and beautiful section of Kansas City, Ks (face it, the cities share each others pros and cons). On top of that, Kansas City has a very, very distinct culture (just a taste of country) which is always a plus for any team identity.

As it states, this is more of a rant/idea popping, Saturday should have a few more actual quotes or something semi-professional like that...

*Still believe the KC Wizards to should be renamed to the 'Outlaws'...just a plug*