The growth of soccer in America is exponential. But this is not simply a soccer manual. It is a book about America's pride and its position in the world."How can America put a man on the moon almost fifty years ago and not yet win the men's soccer World Cup?" That's the blunt question from Jim Cassell, Football Development Consultant and former Academy Manager Manchester City Football Club.
"I am so glad that Jim Cassell, or Cass as he is often called, has decided to commit some of his philosophy to print. Aspects of the book have much to offer, such as advice for parents which is so apt, as are the comments on coaches which from my own experience at both club and international level I wholeheartedly endorse." - Joe Royle, former England international and Premier League Manager with Everton, Manchester City and Oldham Athletic.
"Jim's book has so many aspects - advice from the master, lessons to learn and interesting facts and advice for football development in the States. With such significant counsel how can it not be that the United States will not become the World Cup holders in the future?" - Des Coffey, Lead Education Ombudsman for the Premier League.
"Throughout the book there are valuable lessons which are there for football development based on the successful experiences which Jim has had over so many years." - Paul Power, former Captain of Manchester City Football Club.
"The fact that so many young professionals have emerged from the Manchester City F.C. Academy is mainly courtesy of Jim Cassell's professionalism, consistency and abilities." - Hanspeter Rothmund CEO of Football is More, Football Foundation.
"Too many people patronise soccer in America. Not Jim. This book is a genuine honest guide to becoming Soccer World Champions in 2026, which, incidentally, marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It's a must read book for everyone involved with soccer in America, coaches, players of every age and for every parent with a soccer youngster in the house." - Joe Cummings CEO, National Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) 2009 - 2015.
As a youth player, Jim Cassell played with both Manchester United and Manchester City before moving to Bury Football Club. His career was curtailed by a serious knee injury, which only served to spur his involvement as a coach. He was Chief Scout at Oldham Athletic Football Club during the most successful period in the club's history and in 1997 was appointed to oversee the development of Manchester City's Youth policy. The City Academy became recognised as one of best in the country culminating in becoming the leaders in elite player development and the winning of the coveted FA Youth Cup. During this period 39 players progressed from the academy to represent the club in the Premiership, with 25 progressing to represent their country as full internationals. Jim Cassell has directed Coach Education programmes in Abu Dhabi, South Africa, China, Malaysia and Lebanon and was a guest speaker at the 2012 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention. He is also an Ambassador for the Football is More Foundation (FIM) in Switzerland, which supports and promotes inclusion, education, development and peace through football.
