SOCCER AMERICA FOUNDER CLAY BERLING HONORED DURING HONDA SYMPOSIUM IN L.A.

Soccer Pioneer in the U.S. Discussed How Soccer Has Changed Over The Years

LOS ANGELES (October 9, 2002) -- Clay Berling, who 30 years ago founded Soccer America magazine, received a special presentation during today's Honda Symposium for all of his contributions to the development of the game in the United States.

Even before publishing the first issue of Soccer America in April 1971, Berling was instrumental in developing the game in California. His hard work led to the creation and expansion of youth soccer leagues in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1960s and in 1969 he participated in the founding of the California Youth Soccer Association.

After serving as publisher of Soccer America for ten years, Berling currently remains the Chairman of Berling Communications, the parent company of Soccer America. During this time Soccer America magazine has become the most recognized soccer magazine in the United States.

Berling was inducted into the California Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 1982 and into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1995.

"I have been privileged to be an observer of the state of American soccer over the last 32 years," said Berling during today's event. "It gives me a perspective that many newcomers may not have. Saturday morning finds kids everywhere playing soccer, no longer strangers to the sport. Fields, goalposts and shoes are available on demand. The term 'Soccer Mom' is part of our vocabulary. Things change. Isn't it great?"