Major League Soccer and the BSA: A perfect one-two

Teamwork. As important in Scouting as it is in Major League Soccer. And both organizations strive to Be Prepared for the future.

Not a stretch, then, to understand why Scouting and the nation’s top professional soccer league announced today they’re on the same team. By forging a special collaboration with the nation’s top youth organization, MLS will use its network to support the BSA’s “youth-focused program of athleticism, character, and leadership.”

Beginning at the start of the soccer season in March, Scouts will receive special access to MLS games, players, coaches, and executives through unique on- and off-field programming designed specifically for Scout packs, troops, teams, and crews.

Check out a few of the plans announced today:

  • MLS will select units that conduct community service projects for in-game ceremonies at its stadiums.
  • MLS will hold “Scout Nights” at matches to help local councils achieve their recruiting and retaining goals.
  • Local MLS players and executives will stage formal discussions with Scouts on topics such as fitness and leadership — skills required in both organizations.

Like the perfect pass in soccer, the BSA and MLS timed today’s announcement to coincide with the MLS SuperDraft this afternoon in Kansas City. Uniformed Scouts from the Heart of America Council were recruited to deliver an official Adidas match ball to the stage. And, there’s more.

Each player selected in the draft signed (or will sign) the ball, which will be auctioned off on the official MLS Web site. Proceeds will benefit the Heart of America Council. Score!

So how do you take advantage of this new sponsorship? If you aren’t yet a soccer fan, it’s time to join the MLS team before the season kicks off on March 10.

Sixteen of the league’s 19 teams play in the United States — including at least one in each time zone. So no matter where you live, there’s an MLS match happening near you.

The American teams are: Chicago Fire, Chivas USA (Los Angeles), Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, and Sporting Kansas City.

Get more details from your local council about how to involve your unit. Or if you can’t wait, try contacting the team directly to see how your MLS club and your Scouts can team up.

As for me, this new alliance supplies even more reasons to support my hometown team, FC Dallas, and favorite player Brek Shea.

What about you? Show your pride in the BSA and your local MLS organization and share it with your Scout unit. Just another way to demonstrate that we’re all on the same team here.

Photo: Kansas City Boy Scouts with the top two picks in the MLS SuperDraft, Andrew Wenger (left) of Montreal Impact and Darren Mattocks of the Vancouver Whitecaps.


About Bryan Wendell 3282 Articles
Bryan Wendell, an Eagle Scout, is the founder of Bryan on Scouting and a contributing writer.