John Motta Up For #USSF VP
Running for the office of the Vice-President currently held by National Soccer Hall of Famer Cindy Parlow Cone, John Motta is an outspoken leader in our world of soccer. Parlow Cone’s term lasts just one year as she assumed the office vacated when former Vice-President Carlos Cordeiro was elected as President last February at the 2018 U.S. Soccer AGM.
The Vice-Presidential election for the four-year term will be held at the upcoming U.S. Soccer 2020 National Council Meeting on Saturday, February 15, in Nashville, Tennessee. Members of the National Council vote in the election and the winner is decided by the majority vote.
It’s official — John Motta declared his candidacy for the position of Vice-President of the United States Soccer Federation at the GotSoccer Winter Convention in Florida.
Motta believes the future of soccer is very bright, but that real results can only be achieved if we plan well and work tirelessly for results.
“The game has been a fundamental force in my life,” Motta said as he announced his candidacy. “I have been enriched by serving the game as a player, referee, coach, and administrator.” In addition, Motta also founded the pro soccer team, the New Hampshire Phantoms.
President of the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) since 2014, the U.S. Soccer website states, “John Motta has been a long-serving member of the soccer community in the United States.”
A highly successful businessman who devotes enormous time to growing American soccer, Motta is an experienced expert on American soccer, who has already served in the role he is now campaigning for — he was the U.S. Soccer Vice President from 1998-2000. Motta is also a strong advocate for the women’s game.
“Membership on the Board of Directors carries with it a great responsibility. It is the responsibility of speaking and voting your mind,” said Motta.
“I have never feared being a voice of opposition when I believed that our Federation was heading in the wrong direction,”
John Motta
“I will continue to voice my strong beliefs. I am an independent thinker.”
Here is an excerpt from John Motta’s speech as he announced his candidacy for the office of USSF Vice-President:
My commitment to the game has seen me meet the challenges of being elected as President of US Adult Soccer, Chairman of the Adult Council, Member of the Board of U.S. Soccer, 10 years as President of my joint New Hampshire State Association, and Vice President of U.S. Soccer as well as participating on many committees of US Soccer.
While the future of US Soccer looks brighter than ever, with hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we have seen a series of successes and failures. Our Women’s Team won yet another World Cup. Yet we can see increased competition in the future. On the Men’s side, we continue to live with the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Our U-17 Team played poorly in Brazil.
We must ask if there is more, we can do to develop our youth talent.
We need to cast a larger net. Give more players more opportunities to excel. I would recommend that we develop a truly national youth tournament comprised of Development Academy Teams, US Youth Soccer’s Championship teams, Regional ODP teams and National Champions from US Club.
As we cast a larger net we simply MUST focus on Latino Community. We need to identify financial resources and I propose that US Soccer create a task force to implement a truly integrated youth development system, which includes the Latino Community. We must also find a way to affiliate the millions of Hispanic players playing unaffiliated soccer throughout the country.
Recent headlines have also told us that the staff of U.S. Soccer has suffered from low morale. Our Federation employees are essential to our success. In view of good governance, as Vice President, I would work closely with our new CEO to visit and value our staff to ensure we are meeting their expectations.
As a life-long referee, my love of the referee program is well documented. I believe that we can develop a more robust referee program from youth to Pros.
We need to put more emphasis on developing female referees.
It was a disappointment that at the last Women’s World Cup, the United States did not have a referee doing a center during the tournament. This should never happen.
Our professional leagues have developed rapidly. We must refocus attention on our professional standards. I support that U.S. Soccer continues to support the NWSL, while the league and its clubs are encouraged to gain more independence.
I have been a highly successful businessman. The Federation is spending millions of dollars on legal fees. Litigation must be a last option to settle disputes. All this litigation is draining the Federation from our precious resources.
My experience shows me that when common goals are shared, “What’s best for the game,” smart people can solve their differences.
Let’s resolve differences in the Boardroom, not in the Courtroom.
We cannot forget we are a membership-driven organization. This Federation is comprised of 4 Councils who are all member-driven. I came from the membership, I came as a player, I came as a referee, I believe in the membership and you have my promise and commitment that I will always be available to support our members’ activities, to help with their issues, and to solve their problems.
This election is a time we can show that the members, when unified, are a big voice in the Federation.
I also am bi-lingual and am fluent in the Portuguese language, and understand and communicate in Spanish. I believe that this is an asset when meeting with foreign dignitaries from other Federations.
Lastly, my friends when you wear the crest of U.S. Soccer, as a player, referee, coach or administrator, it is a high honor. It is one we must take seriously, humbly.
I look to serve our game and our country with honesty, integrity and dogged determination. I seek your support. Thank you.
The announcement of Motta’s candidacy to run for the VP of USSF was well-received.
Related Soccer News: JOHN MOTTA ON AMERICAN SOCCER – TIME FOR CHANGE
