After every World Cup, there is always a new group of fans that begin to take interest in the sport. Soccer can become the 5th “Big” sport (Ice Hockey, Baseball, American Football, and Basketball) here in the United States, if certain things happen with potential new fans here in the USA.
Post World Cup American Soccer Growth
1. Do Not Be a “Eurosnob”
This is quite possibly the biggest problem in terms of soccer growth. Why? Because it doesn’t help out local growth. “Eurosnobs” are usually people who won’t support local teams since they are “not as good” as European giants like Barcelona or Chelsea. They’ll pay loads of money to see a European club come play another European club with their bench or youth players playing the whole match. However, going to see a local match isn’t an option to some because “it’s not on the top level.” Without local support, the league won’t grow, players won’t want to play here, and the league won’t get better. Most of the players on the national team started out here in MLS, this how they got their name out there to European clubs. Dempsey started with the Revolution, Altidore and Bradley started with The Red Bulls. Without local support, the US national team doesn’t get better and local leagues suffer dramatically. The league is run differently here, there is no relegation battle either. It may seem like “They can’t get better due to no relegation.” In other sports, it works just fine. The NBA doesn’t have relegation, neither does the NHL or the MLB. The leagues are the best in the world in their respective sport without it. It’s fine to support a European team, I myself am an avid Manchester United supporter. However, bashing local clubs that haven’t been around for as long as European giants is senseless and counterproductive.
2. Watch Games Both on Television and Live
This is another crucial way to get soccer growing here. If people began to watch the game, it will grow here too. Watching local clubs or watching European teams play does help out tremendously in terms of growth. Ratings go up, television broadcasters will pay more to have the games on, and will help the game spread. They can learn about the game by watching world-class talent play every weekend morning. Going to the games is the best way to support the a club. I don’t mean just go to a match where a European Giant is playing with their bench or youth team in a semi competitive match, go to a local game where they’re actually competing for points on the league table. Watching a Sounders vs. Timbers game is absolutely nuts, it is the biggest rivalry in professional soccer in this country. The stadiums are sold out, the crowd is loud, singing songs; it’s an absolute mad house. When I went to my first game in Section 101 in Red Bull Arena, it changed my whole perception on local support forever. The TV didn’t make it seem loud or very supportive, but going to a game in a supporters section is a honestly a life-changing experience. Believe it or not, the tickets are incredibly cheap to buy compared to other major sports. Supporter’s section tickets are around twenty-five dollars at Red Bull Arena, however that could change with a rising turnout. Other stadiums may be more or less than that amount, but it beats paying nearly two-hundred dollars for a seat at an NFL game.
Thank you for reading. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @MLSDispatch and @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at sports injury alert.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
