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Soccer in USA

Introduction

Sports has always been a very significant recreational activity in any society. There are different kinds of sports that different societies enjoy and value. Each sport has a history and a purpose. Sports are aimed at creating camaraderie, sportsmanship and other positive values in the society. Through regular practice in sport related activities, people learn to live healthy and an active lifestyle. Sports are not only a form of entertainment and source of happiness for people, but they also have a purpose and structure that contributes to society. Many types of sports involve the use of different tools and items. One of the most used accessories is a ball used in numerous sports such as basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis and soccer. These international favorite sports are also able to bring countries together by allowing different countries to compete in friendly and competitive tournaments. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and it has influenced several countries (Wong, Patricia, and Yan Hong) such as the United States of America and the U.K. It may not be the a national sport of the U.S. but it is a sport that is well loved and practiced by Americans for many years. The most popular games in American include American football and basketball. The United States participates in soccer in many forms and the sport is growing in popularity.

History

Soccer started at around 1860s in the United States. There were a number of soccer clubs established back then. One of these clubs was known as the Oneida Football Club. Rutgers University and Princeton University were said to have conducted the first soccer match known in the history of the United States. This happened back in 1869 and with a score of 64 where the Rutgers University team won the game. In order for the sport to continue its existence in the country and in order to gain more enthusiasts, athletes and supporters for the sport put together organizations that were established in order to regulate and organize the sport.

The first known organization that tried to regulate soccer in the United States was the American Football Association. The American Football Association or AFA was founded back in 1886. It was able to successfully carry out its mission during its first year by conducting the first non-league (sport that does not belong to one of a nations major professional leagues) soccer event in the history of the United States. This non-league event was titled the American Cup. Men were more active and involved when it comes to playing soccer in the United States in the beginning. Today, however, the United States not only run a men’s national soccer team but a women’s national soccer team as well. Both men and women are now actively participating in the sport and competing worldwide.

The United States Soccer Federation

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) is the official body of authority that regulates and organizes soccer in the United States. USSF promotes and regulates the soccer sport in the country. Soccer is growing in popularity again after taking a back seat to the more popular sports of baseball, American football and basketball for many years. Soccer is on the world stage again, even in the United States, through its participation in international competitions. In just about 16 years, soccer along with MLS has witnessed tremendous growth. Popularity and quality of play is growing while revenue, TV coverage, sponsorship, and merchandising are readily available. Big soccer personalities such as Robbie Keane, David Beckham, and Thierry Henry have played in the US.

According to a study by Ryan Sealock (2102), of all the 12-24 year old surveyed, soccer was rated second behind the NFL for preferred pro sport at 13.7 percent. Among Hispanics population, it is ranked first at 26.8 percent. In addition, the proportion of US soccer fans aged 12 and above that expressed themselves as either enthusiastic MLS followers or passionate global soccer followers grew and was rated at 7.0 and 9.1 percent respectively (MLSsoccer.com, 2013). These are remarkable statistics given that a few years back, soccer was hardly known. Currently, more than 13 million Americans play soccer. It rates below basketball and baseball as the most played team sport (U.S. Census Bureau). MLS has currently grown to 19 teams and it is expected the number will rise to 20 in year 2015 and further growth planned for the future (MLSsoccer.com, 2013). The current average attendance is over 18,000 per game, which makes MLS the third top average turnout of all sports league in the United States. It is also the seventh top attended professional soccer league globally (MLSsoccer.com, 2013). According to Tony Manfred (2012), about 33 million Americans depicted themselves as enthusiastic soccer fans.

The USSF was founded back in 1913 on April 5 and initially called the United States of America Football Association. In 1974, the organization finally changed its name to United States Soccer Federation. The organization is also a recognized member of the FIFA World Organization which allows the US teams to compete in the very prestigious FIFA World Cup. The USSF continues to support soccer teams all over the country and the different leagues that play within the country and outside the country. Not only does the USSF regulate and organize soccer in the country but it also continues to raise awareness and support for the sport within the country.

Soccer in the United States Today

Anybody can play soccer today in the United States. People who wish to play and enjoy the sport need not be professionals to do so. Soccer is now a popular sport for children’s leagues as well as recreation leagues for adults. Many children today play soccer and the term “soccer mom” is used to refer to today’s involved mothers of young children whether they play only soccer or participate in a wide variety of other activities. Based on Tony Manfred (2012), more kids are playing soccer and there is at a minimum one soccer player in about 30 percent of American households.

There are numerous public fields and parks where people can enjoy friendly games of soccer with their friends and families. Soccer has grown to become a part of the American society and it is not surprising to see many people playing soccer in various places across the country. At the professional level, soccer is on the right track to develop more and more. According to Jorge Klinsmann (the coach of the United States national team), he accepted the coaching job because he saw that the American team is ready for change, which is clear evidence that this sport rising in popularity.

Friends and families also come together in order to support their favorite teams whenever big competitions or leagues are in action. They either go to the stadiums to watch the games live or stay at home or at a place that could televise the games live. Besides the support of the people and organizations, the media has also contributed to the development and establishment of soccer as a sport well loved by the people. The media has been very influential (through broadcasting, sponsorships, and informing the public) in making the sport known in the United States. Going forward, the sport is expected to continue gaining popularity at an increasing rate.

Summary

Indeed sports will continue to play a big part of life in the American society. Soccer and other forms of sports are gaining more support globally and continue to be passed down from generations to another through education and media. The passion and support of soccer sport is gaining ground among all people across the American society. There is a lot of effort being put in place to raise the profile of the game including hosting major tournaments such as the world cup and competition among North America, central and Caribbean Nations. Stakeholders such as the media, industries, and world bodies continue to support the growth of soccer in U.S. Hopefully the practice of the sport will also help contribute to the American societal values.

Works Cited

“The Global Art of Soccer”. CusiBoy Publishing, 2006.

Finlay Mackay. Klinsmann: "You can't catch up anymore". ESPN, December= 1, 2011.

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HYPERLINK "http://www.businessinsider.com/author/tony-manfred" Tony Manfred (2012). Scientists: Soccer Is One Generation Away From Taking Over America

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Wong, Patricia, and Yan Hong. "Soccer injury in the lower extremities." British Journal of Sports Medicine 39.8 (2005): 473-482.