The NEW Cosmos: Talent Development & Community Engagement | Erik Stover, New York Cosmos

The New York Cosmos are back... but many are asking the question... why?!?!

In Episode 68 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Cosmos CEO Erik Stover about how the club is planning to do things differently (and better) in this third incarnation.

The foundation of that plan is player development of the rich talent in the North Jersey area, as well as community development and expanding access to fans.

Erik and the ownership group are extremely aware of the cynicism and competition that the club faces, but remain confident that a new patient, comprehensive approach will lead to success on the pitch and "profitability within 5 years".

In this podcast, Erik shares about how a Ruud van Nistelrooy volley got him hooked on soccer, what he learned from the European club model while CEO of a club in Denmark, and the new look Cosmos' plan is for succeeding on and off the pitch at USL League One level.

Trading Pele and Raul for developing local talent, believing in and giving youth players a chance to shine, and bravely stepping forward to offer solidarity payments to local youth clubs are top of the list for Stover and his leadership team.

Central to the club's business plan is leveraging a comprehensive club app to keep fans engaged, offering multiple sports and disciplines such as arts and education programming, and presenting Paterson's historic Hinchliffe Stadium and its adjacent Paterson Falls park as a premium soccer and entertainment destination.

Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts - your optimism and criticism!

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