NEW feature: “Week’s Links” compilation

I’m testing out something new over on the Potomac Soccer Wire side of things today, a project called “Week’s Links” that we hope will provide you with some useful weekend reading on important news and topics that might have been missed amidst the everyday grind.

These, in no particular order, are some quality tidbits from around the net, many of them a bit longer than your typical news story, that I think are worthy of your time. Please enjoy, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. In fact, don’t hesitate to link to some good content that you think is valuable, too. (NO SPAM, though, please!) As always, we value your opinions and feedback…

Stoddert Soccer issues battle cry over lost permits – By Mike DeBonis, Washington Post

Even after a wave of new, artificial-turf fields were installed throughout the city’s public school system, field space in the District of Columbia remains a prized commodity. A recent sequence of rejected permit applications has D.C. Stoddert Soccer, the capital city’s largest youth league, frustrated – very frustrated – with the Department of Parks and Recreation. And the feeling seems to be mutual.

Former Soccer Player Joins Lawsuit Against NCAA  – By Mary Pilon, New York Times

Earlier this month former D.C. United defender Bryan Namoff made waves when he sued his former club for their handling of his concussion injury. Now, another player in lingering pain is taking legal action on the same topic, this time at the college level. Is this a sign of further litigation to come – and how will it affect the sport and its governing bodies?

Why Mexico has been so successful – By Mike Woitalla, Soccer America

The United States’ southern rivals have been busy at the youth level with a sweeping reinvention of their federation’s approach to player development, and the resulting worldwide success for their youth national teams has been spectacular. What’s amazing – and probably very frustrating for many U.S. fans – is how our nation’s Mexican-American community has become a leading source of talent for El Tri.