What is America’s favorite sport? To many, this question is a no-brainer: football. Sure, you might hear the occasional baseball or even basketball. All three sports can trace their relevance and popularity back for several decades. So, what sport is leftover? Soccer. Fútbol. It is a game that is internationally celebrated and revered. Most countries implement the sport at a very young age. It is heralded almost as a religion in many parts of the world. That is how serious this game is taken. The United States have just not been able to adopt the same mindset. However, three global trends will assist in pushing the sport’s popularity at home.
1. The system.
A vast majority of Americans have played soccer for at least some portion of their life. Soccer is a universal game. It can be played by any man, woman, or child at any age. This ability to experience the game first hand introduces families to the game early on. Engraining the sport at a young age increases the chances of breeding players down the road. Countries abroad set up entire systems and youth academies dedicated to developing future champions. Unfortunately, the United States hasn’t put the same emphasis on player development. Yet, with US Soccer continuing to funnel more and more players through the initial stages, the chances of the next Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey emerging increases dramatically.
2. The movement.
The MLS has been making great strides in attracting foreign talent to make the move over to America. Major League Soccer has brought over a handful of European legends in recent years including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Thierry Henry. In addition to these players making the move over, MLS has also established matches against some of the best club teams in the world including Manchester United and Real Madrid. These matches have focused international attention on American efforts to increase sport’s visibility. The foreign interest and investment that goes into US Soccer is crucial in order to take the next step to becoming a global competitor.
3. The emphasis.
The World Cup has become more and more visible in the public eye. Once celebrated exclusively by soccer’s most dominant teams, it has since evolved into a must-see phenomenon. Every four years, The US Men’s National Team has seemed to inch closer and closer to achieving the game’s ultimate prize. With the reality of success beginning to come to fruition, people all over the country are starting to tune in and take a vested interest for the US on an international level. The Women’s National Team has already asserted their dominance as they have captured three World Cup titles. They have set the standard for women’s soccer. If the men’s national team follows suit, US Soccer will be a force to be reckoned with.
