James Gowers

I have a passion for soccer, having played and watched it all my life, first in Germany, then England, and then most recently here in the U.S.

My two girls and one boy (9, 11, and 13 as of 2015) are very active in their competitive soccer programs here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

I volunteer in our soccer community in various ways, helped build new soccer programs at established clubs and ‘coach’ a couple of futsal teams during the winter months.

And as a certified official U.S. Soccer referee I officiate competitive soccer games for boys and girls from ages 8 to 18.

I play in adult leagues but my body often can’t do anymore what my brain wants it to do. Such is life! I tell myself that my game has become smarter.

I’ve experienced countless competitive youth soccer games as a parent on the sideline and as a referee in the middle of the field, observed many coaches up-close during practices and games, and know most of the clubs reasonably well.

I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly, but please keep in mind that these are just my perspectives. They might evolve over time or might be plain wrong at times or misguided or based on incomplete information.

My goal is to do my little bit to help the beautiful game flourish in our country and to help parents make good decisions for their youngsters.