Send a text Morning Kickaround (https://www.youtube.com/@MorningKickaround) asked and we delivered! On Oct. 1, the crew at Morning Kickaround published this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l14J079nyQ&t=2s. In it, they pose several "critical questions that USL must answer to successfully implement Pro/Rel in American soccer." John and Dylan (well, John mostly) decided we would take up the challenge of answering those questions. In the U.S., we have a large landmass, diverse geography, diverse climate, large pockets of open space, and uneven population distribution. Therefore, our bigger country needs a smarter promotion-relegation ecosystem. So, it's time to think outside the box. Tonight, in PART 7 of our Pro-Rel Series, John presents his Vision 2050: four independent USL regional pyramids—East, Midwest, South, West—linked by a national, Champions League style tournament featuring the top first division teams across each of the pyramids . . . and why an independent pyramid approach could better satisfy our soccer needs over a more traditional single national pyramid. . . . and, as always, we'll kick off the show with any of the latest cup, lower league, pro/rel, soccer history, and San Diego specific news. Next week we will continue the conversation and dig deeper into the plan and review: 1. The structure of a regional pyramid: tiers, divisions, pro-rel, trophies/cups, and entry into national tournaments. 2. How partnerships with other leagues could help round out this new soccer ecosystem - from amateur to professional - tied together by promotion and relegation. 4. How USL could begin to transition to this new system. 5. How the independent regional pyramid model can scale and adapt for growth. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Pro-Rel and/or any conversation about fundamentally changing the soccer ecosystem in the U.S. is always a polarizing endeavor. Now that you've heard John's plan, it's time for you to give us your thoughts. Use the SEND US A TEXT link at the top of the description to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show. LINKS FROM THE EPISODE THE ATHLETIC: NWSL's lack of gender eligibility policy leaves players vulnerable - just not in the way you think. Meg Linehan SIXONEFIVESOCCER: 2025 End-of-Season Survey (survey for MLS fans) MORNING KICKAROUND VIDEO: YouTube Channel: Morning Kickaround Video: The HUGE Questions Facing USL Ahead of Promotion and Relegation EPISODE HOSTS: Host: John Cross (john@bigpinedigital.com). John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and HELP US GROW! 1. Tell a friend 2. Rate & Review 3. Subscribe 4. Leave a comment JOIN US LIVE! We usually record our shows live on Tuesdays at 6PM Pacific time. Come join us in the chat. YouTube: @LocalGrassrootsStories SOCCER SHORTS: Follow on socials: BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts PARTNERS: SanDiego.futbol Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/ BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol
