Welcome to the Beautiful Game

My name is Matt Mueller and this is my blog.

My romance with soccer began at a very young age.  To be honest, I do not remember exactly when it all began but I do have memories of going to CBC Soccer Games.  I remember sitting on the CBC bench and watching games.  My father would not let me go and play soccer like all the other boys behind the field....no instead I was told that I needed to sit down and watch and pay attention.

I learned a lot just watching the movement and mannerisms of quality soccer players.  I would go out in the backyard or use different moves I saw the "CBC Boys" do in games.  I was certainly not one of the most gifted soccer players when I was young but watching and learning put me ahead of the curve.

I have been in love with this mistress for quite some time and I do not see the relationship ending anytime soon.  From watching, to playing, and to coaching I have continued the relationship.

I am a Manchester United supporter but please do not mistake me with one of those "Man United" supporters.  No my love for United goes so much deeper.  Whenever I tell someone I am a Manchester United supporter, they all say o you are one of those fans...and I want to say..."No, I am not one of those fans."  I have been in love with Manchester United since 1999 on that magical night in Barcelona!!!!  If you are a real Manchester United fan, you will know what I am referring too.

Currently I am working for a soccer club in St. Louis.  The club is St. Louis Scott Gallagher and I am the junior boys program director.  This basically means that I help oversee the U12-U14 age groups.  In addition, I help form training schedules for our teams as well as coach a couple of our youth teams.  I enjoy my job.  I mean to be able to do soccer for a living is a real blessing.  I am still trying to figure out exactly what it is that I want to do with my life.  I have been apart of the college game before as an assistant coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  I enjoy the collegiate atmosphere and playing and participating in post season play.  The thought of running my own college program someday is very enticing.  For now, I am happy and we will see where my soccer career takes me.

The purpose of my blog is to provide my perspective of the beautiful game.  I have a soccer philosophy and it is built around the idea that there is truly only one way to play the game.  Soccer is art.  And art is beauty and purpose.  I am constantly thinking about how to play soccer the right way and get results.  There have been many teams and coaches who have provided different insight on this concept.  Most notably, Barcelona and Spain (which is basically Barcelona) have shown that soccer is played with good integrity.  The game of soccer is supposed to be beautiful and to make it anything less is doing it an injustice.

I am so lucky in my life to be around many different soccer coaches and minds who have provided different insight into the game.  From these perspectives, I have created my own philosophy and opinion on the game.  I am NOT saying that my way is right or wrong.  I am simply trying to share what I have learned and to continue to help the game of soccer grow in this country.

I hope you enjoy my blog!!!