By Dave Tyahla

Editor's Note: This column includes information from the upcoming U.S. Soccer Foundation's Soccer Field Handbook, a comprehensive resource authored by the Editors of Soccer America on all things related to the development of soccer fields in your local community. Please visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or send an e-mail with the subject heading "Field Handbook" to: prc@ussoccerfoundation.org for more information and to be notified when the handbook becomes available.

We recently highlighted a course of action, or "Road Map," designed to assist you in navigating the political process of building soccer fields in your community. What follows is additional information others have utilized repeatedly across the country, all in an effort to develop more places for playing soccer.

So, picking up where the previous column left off, you've already done your homework and made sure that everyone understands what you're selling. You're also staying positive and on message and thinking how your project can be a win-win for the community as a whole.

Now, you're ready to tackle some the more challenging political steps in the process, including:

A. Putting yourself in the other person's shoes;

B. Understanding that, ultimately, it's all about "Counting Votes;" and

C. Including all levels of government in your advocacy efforts.

Walking in the Other Person's Shoes This can be the most demanding part of the entire process, yet also among the most important. Approach every discussion by anticipating potential questions and considering the other side's perspective. Listen and take the concerns and criticisms raised very seriously. Consider how things may appear to the neighbor who is upset about possible increased noise and traffic and be prepared to hear other user groups wonder "what's in it for them?" Find ways to respond constructively and even consider adjusting your expectations when necessary.

Being a good listener may ultimately be the most important political skill needed to achieve success. Realize you probably cannot make everyone happy in the end, but it is critical that people feel they've been heard and that you've tried your best to find solutions. This is all part of staying polite and positive and the win-win strategy.

It's About Votes If you're working with a local government, your task will likely be about influencing the votes of elected leaders. Simply stated, if your City Council has nine members, you need to garner at least five votes. On a larger scale, if success depends on the passage of a local park or school bond, it may be about influencing the votes of the entire community.

If it's clear that you cannot generate a majority, take the time to reevaluate your project. Can it be modified in a way — adding a playground, bike/walking paths or other amenities — to attract additional support? Is there enough space (and funding), to possibly address concerns from another user group?

Know that your powers of persuasion (and patience) will be tested fully during this process and you'll need to be prepared with accurate, concrete explanations and answers for every question and concern, along with compelling arguments about how this is "about more than just soccer." Remember that politicians (and your fellow voters) will need to answer these same questions for themselves before they can agree to support your project. So, take as much time as is needed to develop trust with your elected leaders and key decision-makers.

Don't Stop at City Hall Don't limit your advocacy efforts to your local government. Know that state and national leaders also make key decisions that impact your community's ability to provide recreation facilities and programs.

For example, each year Congress provides funding to the States specifically for public recreation purposes. The program is known as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF has helped develop over 7,000 public soccer fields across America, so it's likely you've visited or played on fields that were built with assistance from the LWCF.

In fact, it's your state-level leaders who decide where and how these funds are annually allocated. So, forward planning by your local leaders can ensure that your field project is viewed as a priority when state funds next become available.

Finally, the more advocates the game has at all levels, the better. On Capitol Hill, a bi-partisan group of Representatives have established the "Congressional Soccer Caucus," whose mission is to promote the game and issues affecting the soccer community, including the increasing demand for playing fields. To learn more about the Soccer Caucus and contact your Member urging them to join the group, please visit: www.ussoccerfoundation.org

Remember, your soccer organization can, and should, get organized and call upon your elected leaders – at all levels of government — to make the development of soccer fields a priority in your community. By staying on the sideline, the game suffers and "falls to the back of the line" while key decisions are being made on how your community's public recreation resources are being allocated.

Dave Tyahla is the Director of Government Relations for the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States. www.ussoccerfoundation.org . Based in Washington, D.C., the Foundation often receives questions about the types of advocacy soccer organizations can undertake and whether and how they can lend their voices to the decision-making process.

The information contained in this article is being provided for informational purposes only. The information is not a substitute for expert legal, tax, or other professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances, and may not be relied upon for the purposes of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code.