Why Is Soccer Not More Popular In The US?

The World's Game.  This is what soccer or football or futbol is referred to.  Whether it is developed nations such as the US, France, and England, or third world countries such as Sierra Leone, Uruguay, and Ghana, they play soccer.  In a world where globalization of goods and culture is at an all time high, it is a mystery to me why soccer is not more popular in the states.

To those who are saying to themselves right now, "but soccer is popular in the US," just stop.  Maybe compared to years ago, but compared to the rest of the world it is nothing.  Recent successes by the US Men's National Team have helped boost popularity for sure (wins over Spain in the 2009 Confederations Cup, advancing to the Round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup, and defeating Italy 1-0 this February marking America's first ever win over Italy) and I am not trying to take anything away from that.  But even after all that success, people still probably do not know who half the players are or are that clear on the rules.  For the people who still contend that it is a popular sport in the US, use the following numbers as a lesson for you:

The Los Angeles Galaxy, a powerhouse in Major League Soccer (MLS), average 23,300 people at their games.  Their stadium seats 27,000 people, putting it at 86.3% full on average.  It is also in the sprawling Los Angeles metropolitan area with a population over 3,500,000 people.  The only soccer team that is even close to them for stealing away attendance numbers is San Jose.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, a powerhouse in the English Premier League, average 75,387 people at their games.  Their stadium seats 75,811 people, putting it at 99.4% full on average.  Realize also that unlike LA, Manchester is a city of only 109,000 people.  They also have to compete with their rivals Manchester City who also attract a large following of their own.

Is it a bit unfair to use Man U as the comparison team given their rich history and enormous payroll?  Mayb...NO!  Because that is what a US team could be viewed as.  It is baffling to me how this is not the case.  Nearly everyone has played organized soccer at some point in their lives.  Ask your friends next time you see them if they ever played organized soccer or organized football (I view football as the most popular US sport).  I guarantee you hardly any will say none, some will say both, but almost all will say soccer.  It requires the same strategy, toughness, and athleticism as any other sport that is popular in the US.  Yet, 99 out of 100 people in LA would take a Laker's ticket over a Galaxy ticket.  And the one who did take a Galaxy ticket knew Kobe wasn't playing, the opponent were the Bobcats, and he was in the top row with a seven footer sitting in front of him.  Why are we so willing to try and spread football or basketball to the world, yet not accept a game that the entire world holds dear?

The interest in soccer could easily start at a young age.  There are many organizations that offer it to youths.  When I was growing up there was AYSO, a public soccer league, and Spectre Soccer Club.  There may have been more but I'm not sure.  This was in the town of DeKalb, but the big cities like Chicago probably had even more options.  It is a simple game to explain to kids.  When you are young, you are told, "kick the ball, no hands, get it in the net, and play nice."  Simple concept.  As you get older you start learning more rules such as off sides (another time where my point is proven if you do not know what off sides is in soccer), better touch with the ball, and more strategy.  All you need to play is a ball and two goals, and all parents need to spend money on is shin pads and shoes.  It makes it an affordable option for parents whose kids want to play sports.  Compare that to football where there are numerous pieces of equipment to supply the kids which factors into the cost of the program.  Although that equipment should give parents peace of mind in football, they should be even more calm if their child pursues a career in soccer.

The dangerous effects of concussions in football has become a hot topic recently as more retired players are having problems because of all the high impact contact that happens in football.  This is not to say that soccer is injury free as the game is played more aggressively than some people think as soccer sometimes earns a reputation for being "soft" in the US.  Watch a Barcelona - Real Madrid game and tell me how "soft" that is.  Will soccer players endure as much punishment as football players?  Of course not.  But that is due to the nature of the game, not a matter of toughness.  With this in mind though, it may encourage more parents to get their kids interested in soccer.  It would still allow them to be active, interact with their peers, and learn lessons like teamwork and perseverance.  So while I'm not wishing injury on anyone, the concussions and serious injuries in football might indirectly lead to an emergence of soccer popularity among youths and eventually the population as a whole.

The real issue, though is not the parents, but the reasons why the kids want to play.  One reason is the money.  I think it is silly when you hear players say, "I only play for the love of the game," then the next day you see them on MTV Cribs flaunting their mansions and cars they never drive, or negotiating a new contract to get an extra million or two a year.  Everyone fantasizes about being rich, admit it.  And people who possess raw athletic talent realize that sports is an excellent way to become rich.  Soccer is great gateway to doing so.  According to Forbes.com, six of the top nine most valuable brands in sports are soccer teams (Man U at No.2, Real Madrid at No.3, Bayern Munich at No.5, Barcelona at No.7, Arsenal at No.8, and AC Milan at No.9).  Pretty darn impressive.  There are more outlets and options to become rich playing soccer.  If soccer is the road they choose to go then it is certainly one paved with gold.

The second reason, which will need some time, is because of a role model or superstar in the sport.  Not an international star either.  There needs to be an American born icon/superstar that kids can point and say 'I want to be like ________.'  Everyone has that one star they looked up to.  Growing up near Chicago during the 90s, of course it was Michael Jordan.  Now, my basketball skills are limited to say the least so I stopped playing after a while.  But if I had that basketball trait, you can bet that everything I did would be modeled after MJ.  That is what soccer needs.  A Jordan-esque type figure.  One that transcends the game.  The closest I can think of is Landon Donovan.  He is the all-time leader in goals and assists for the US National team, a four time US Soccer Athlete of the Year, and has even gotten to play in the Premier League with Everton.  Still, he has yet to reach that icon status.  Some may disagree, but would Donovan honestly be in the top 10, 25, or 50 most popular athletes in the US.  I would say no.  If someone is able to venture into that territory, the rewards would be tremendous.  Kids wouldn't just choose to play soccer, they would want to.  Companies would seek soccer stars to endorse their products, not just football and basketball.  TV ratings and revenue would bring money to the sport as well as the teams and people who would want to watch this superstar sensation.  All it takes is one,  and popularity and culture would change in soccer's favor.

Imagine a "what if" scenario in a world where soccer was the go-to sport in the US (imagine this next part in a cool British commentator's voice).  "Wade brings it up the pitch.  He finds a streaking DeSean Jackson on the left side.  No one can keep up with the blazing speed that he's shown all tournament.  He makes a move and gets around Sergio Ramos.  He's got men in the middle.  Throws it into the box.  LeBron!  The header!  Right past Casillas and the US lead 1-0 over Spain in the 90th minute!  It's pandemonium in the stadium as the US will surely win the World Cup!"  Names like that playing soccer are possible, all it takes is a change in culture and a breakthrough in the sport.  Stay tuned.