How Soccer Is Becoming One of the Most Popular Sports in America

How Soccer Is Becoming One of the Most Popular Sports in America

How Soccer Is Becoming One of the Most Popular Sports in America

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. But traditionally it has always been a minority sport in the USA. But things are changing. Learn more about how soccer is fast becoming one of the most popular sports in america.

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Believe it or not, 95 million Americans watch at least 20 minutes of a World Cup game every few years. As this audience grows steadily, it's clear that soccer is quickly becoming one the fastest growing sports in the US. While it's not quite at the top of the list of most popular sports in America, it's climbing the chart quickly.

Whether you're a player or a spectator, the thrill of a soccer game is undeniable. Here are 5 reasons why soccer seems to be an unstoppable force in the world of spectator sports in the U.S.

1. It's Everywhere

With 23 teams now in the Major League Soccer conferences, spanning the US and Canada, soccer is spreading like wildfire. American kids and adults are rooting on their local city teams like they have for the NFL and MLB for decades.

Started in 1993 with just 10 teams, there are now enough teams for you to find one in just about every major city that has a baseball or football team. You find kids wearing their jerseys and rooting on specific players, just like in the NBA. While it's been a steady growth, its expansion in recent years has been fast, breaking just about everyone's expectations.

As soccer becomes more popular on the professional level, it's bound to trickle down to smaller local teams. With high school students now seeing the potential of going pro, people are starting to take it more seriously.

2. Kids Love It

Nearly 3 million kids are out on the field every week, attesting to their love of playing soccer. Youth soccer has been one of the most popular activities for kids in elementary and middle school for decades. It's a low-cost way to get kids outside and excited to play with other kids.

Just running a few soccer drills can make kids healthier and more focused in the classroom.

It teaches kids the value of teamwork and collaboration. It also shows kids how important it is to be both a gracious winner and a respectful loser. When they lose a game, they learn a valuable lesson about resilience.

Kids who play soccer are healthier and have a lower chance of developing health risks later in life. The longer you can defer them from sitting in front of the couch and playing video games all day, the healthier and happier they'll be.

The social lessons they learn on the soccer field are hard to measure but no less valuable than the actual goals they score.

3. Changing Demographics Help

As America becomes more multicultural and interested in the perspectives of ethnicities and nationalities worldwide, soccer will inevitably grow. Soccer is still the most popular sport in the world and not looking to lose its spot anytime soon. So long as nearly half the world's population watches the World Cup, it's going to maintain a secure spot at the top.

America's demographic has been changing steadily for years and as new arrivals bring relics and what they enjoy stateside, we are able to learn new things. Where once it was rare to see soccer on TV, it's now on mainstream American sports networks. Instead of having to have a satellite that got Latin American or European stations, we can now watch it any time.

As viewership expands, so will the spending on the sport. And as spending increases, so will the viewership.

4. It's Become Cooler

Whether you're a Francophile or a lover of different African, Asian, or European cultures, there's an undeniable coolness about soccer. Soccer players are good looking, in great shape, and have a lot of personality on the field.

Despite the occasional riot out on the field, there are a lot of fun people playing soccer. They have intense emotions when they win or lose and can help to add to the drama of watching it.

Soccer used to be a sport that was more or less looked down upon in America. It was once inferior to other professional sports like basketball or hockey. Now, it rivals the popularity of both.

5. Adult Leagues Are Taking Off

Even as kids are keeping soccer's popularity at a fever pitch, adults are helping it along as well. The number of adult leagues that you can find in any city or town is surprising. Singles and married couples both find it's a great way to meet new people, stay in touch with old friends, and blow off steam from stressful jobs.

For a low entry fee, you can meet for a game once a week with a group of people who would otherwise be strangers. Win or lose, you can get together with the opposing team and have a drink or a bite to eat at a nearby bar. You can talk about wins and losses on and off the field and get to know some other people better.

Adult leagues are offered through various gyms and exercise facilities across the country. Call up your nearest YMCA or another facility to see what kinds of team sports they offer.

Soon Enough It'll Be One Of The Most Popular Sports in America

It won't be long before soccer becomes one of the most popular sports in America.

It's already got such a huge following worldwide, the U.S. is one of the last markets that isn't crazy for soccer. In just a few years, with changing demographics and tastes, it'll be duking it out with the NBA and NFL.

If you're looking to get started with your own life on the field, start with our guide for kicking and running simple exercises.