Jun 20

The growth of soccer (aka Football) in the US   Posted by sharps, tagged with soccer

Well we're a couple of weeks into the biggest sporting event on the planet (the World Cup) and one thing I pleased to say is that it's a lot easier to follow in the US than it was four years ago. In 2002 I had to watch many of the matches in Spanish or follow via the Web. I guess the location helps a bit (+8 hours vs + 16) but I wonder if Soccer is gaining a bit more traction in the US - Max is wondering the same.

Soccer certainly seems to be very popular (at least in Northern California) amongst children but as an adult game it's still very niche - though I manage to play a couple of ties a week (with other adults) - where there's a will; there's a way. The major impediment is of course that the US already has 4 established sports (American Football, Basketball, Hockey and Baseball) all with big frachises attached. Trying to compete with those in the domestic market is tough - but not impossible.

I was recently chatting with my brother in law (a Brit. living in Australia) and a similar situation has previously impeded the spread of Football there as well - ie. big encumbent sports (Rugby Union & League, Aussie Rules & Cricket) but from what he told me - Footie seems to be really taking off (even amongst adults) - and hopefuly Australia's sterling performance so far in the World Cup will accelerate that.


Anway - the next couple of days will be interesting - Group E (Italy, USA, Czech Rep. & Ghana) is wide open
 and Wayne Rooney looks like he'll be starting for England vs. Sweden today. I really hope that England aren't looking for a draw (which might make tactical sense) - that'd be a really dull match.
 Ah, well - "c'mon englund".