Pulling Together for Soccer
August 7, 2006
Everyone in this country has their interests. Those who will read this have a passion for soccer but, those who don’t never will. Yet those people don’t necessarily have a passion for football, basketball or baseball either but, they will talk about it at the water cooler or over lunch. These people or fans may not have played any of these sports either. So, why is it that there is more chatter in everday conversation about football, basketball and baseball rather than soccer in America? Something to think about, yes/no?
How many of you have had a discussion recently about the state of soccer with our country’s recent performance? I’m sure many of you have. The key question though is, how many Americans had the conversation about the disappointing performance of the U.S. who generally do not follow soccer? Will they continue to follow American soccer and passionately discuss player performances, team tactics and coaching mistakes like they do with the NFL, MLB and NBA. My assumption would be, probably not for long without something to keep them motivated. So, an even more important question is - why do the other three sports have this following and intrinsic promotion or positive buzz?
The NBA has been fostering and developing a fanbase since 1949 (after merging the BAA & NBL). The NFL has been fostering and developing a fanbase since 1920 (after two years operating as the American Football Association). Then MLB — the oldest pro sports league in America — has been operating and developing a fanbase since 1903. Although, these leagues have been operating for sometime they are not free from times of contraction and struggle. Now, the MLS, as you may know, was founded in 1993 following two failed attemps of professional soccer leagues in the NASL & MISL. With the formation of NASL in 1968, this was soccers first professional league attempt not to mention that this is 65, 48 and 19 years after the formation of MLB, NFL and the NBA respectively.
The Football Association of England dates back to its formation in 1863, which is now one of worlds top leagues in the English Premier League. The German Bundesliga was formed in 1963 and the Serie A in 1920. Thus, you may see where I’m heading - there is a lot of history and experience behind many other sports properties both at home and abroad who have been working at this a while. Well, enough about the history lesson. How do we as soccer followers help to cultivate the growth of soccer in this country? How do we help keep the chatter going and get those generalized sports fans to follow soccer? I’m asking…I have my own opinion but would really like to hear yours but here is something to think about.
We have to evangelize for our sport. We have to continue writing or blogging about it but more importantly, we have to expose our friends and co-workers to the game. Invite some friends over to watch FSC with you when a game is comming on and better yet invite them to a match if you live in an MLS town. Unfortunately, organic growth for the leagues mentioned above did not happen over night - it took fans to make them what they are today. So, if we all pull together for soccer we might be able to see the growth of the game realized and develop some stronger relationships along the way.
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I was amazed at how many acquaintances watched soccer for the first time during the 2006 World Cup. If the quality of the product is good, the fans will follow.
Who can ever forget seeing 77,691 fans in Giants Stadium during the Cosmo’s heyday? Or 75k+ watching in the rain during Pele’s last game?
Just yesterday, Barca filled the Los Angeles coliseum…more than 92k. It’s impossible to get first level midfield seats for the August 12th Barca-Red Bulls for less than $425 each! My friends who know little about the beautiful game are aware that Ronaldinho is in town and they don’t want to miss this chance at any price.
I live in NYC. Although I am as passionate as anyone about the game (I play 3 times a week at the age of 54) I can’t bring myself to watch the MLS. The product is mediocre and TV coverage is atrocious. So what can I evangelize? I give friends a beer and make them watch EPL highlights with me.