If you’ve ever had the chance to meet Brad Friedel, then you know what kind of guy he is. The Premier Soccer Academy that he’s built in Ohio is similar to the idea that’s happening in Bradenton, Florida yet different in that his academy is for club players. The future of having the opportunity to train everyday at a high level, similar to the model in England is another HUGE step in the right direction for American soccer, especially when American soccer/football players are putting money where their mouth is and back in the game for the kids.

Today Blackburn announced the one year extension that Brad Friedel was signed to, keeping him at Ewood Park (with former MLS’er Ryan Nelsen) until June of 2010. Friedel has smashed the record for Premiership appearances for Rovers at 300 games this past weekend against Timmy Howard and Everton. I still remember sitting at lunch in Sydney, Australia back in 2000 and Brad getting a call from Graeme Souness (his former manager at Galatasary) about the possible transfer from Liverpool, back when Blackburn was in the Championship (Division One).