Clive Toye

Clive Toye, celebrated author of Toby and the Greatest Game, stands as one of the most influential figures in the rise of soccer in the United States. Long before the sport gained mainstream popularity, Toye was already shaping its foundation through his vision, leadership, and unwavering belief in its potential. As a former British sportswriter who crossed the Atlantic in 1969, he brought with him not only journalistic expertise but also a deep understanding of the global game an understanding that would soon help transform American soccer culture.

During his tenure in the North American Soccer League (NASL), where he would eventually rise to league president, Toye made some of the boldest and most defining moves in American sports history. He was instrumental in bringing international icons such as Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer to the United States—legendary signings that electrified audiences and opened the eyes of Americans to the beauty and excitement of the sport. His influence extended beyond the NASL, contributing to the successful U.S. bid for the FIFA World Cup and promoting major global tournaments in cities like Tokyo and Beijing. Toye even facilitated the first-ever tour of a Soviet team in the U.S., helping bridge cultures through sport at a historically tense moment in world politics.

Beyond his executive accomplishments, Clive Toye’s impact on youth development remains equally enduring. As a passionate supporter of grassroots soccer, he devoted years to coaching young players and authored the first-ever U.S. Soccer Youth Handbook, giving structure and guidance to the next generation of American athletes. His book, Toby and the Greatest Game, reflects this lifelong commitment capturing the joy, wonder, and universal appeal of the sport that defined his career. Through his writing and his legacy, Toye continues to inspire readers and players alike, reminding the world why soccer truly is “the greatest game.”

 

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