The Other "Football" Takes Center Stage

Maybe I haven’t paid attention in past years, but it seems that the hype surrounding the World Cup for Soccer this year has never been more intense.

Is it just me-or has the fever really increased?

The United States vs. Great Britain tomorrow provides most of the fuel—and the enthusiasm in the “colonies” is largely centered on this matchup. Its outcome will determine whether or not American fans stayed tuned to a competition that’s a half world away in South Africa.

When I played soccer in high school back in the 70’s, it was a sport with no prestige in our school. Despite the fact that we had some excellent athletes on the squad, our team generally sucked. This may have been due in part to the fact that I was on the team. I had never played soccer before deciding to go out. My lack of speed, agility and coordination made me a perfect choice to play defense (no offense meant to d-squad specialists). It’s more a function of the coach’s decision of where someone CAN play. I honed the skill of slide-tackling. As such, wiping people out was my main role.

Sometimes, I merely wiped myself out, whiffing the slide and allowing the striker to continue unabated to the goal.

Despite our miserable won-loss record, I had a blast and gained an incredible bank of memories of good times, of exhausting practices and long bus rides to games.

Much has changed in the last 30-plus years. Soccer has really come into its own—and really-- it was inevitable.

The most popular sport in the world, the conventional wisdom was that it would never supplant baseball---or our “football” here in the U.S. However, simple demographics will vaporize this argument, as more and more kids are playing youth soccer.

Here is a short video of the World Cup Official theme—to get you “in the mood”!




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgyJY9yndv4&feature=topvideos


Unlike football, where size is prized—and baseball, where the gifted in hand-eye coordination rise to the top, soccer is the sport where the playing field is truly leveled. Smaller kids can completely dominate a game---and speed and stamina know no real physical limitations (comparatively) at so young an age. As such, kids who would “ride the bench” in other sports will play and succeed. It is the ultimate “Equal Opportunity” sport.

Parents, largely uninitiated in the rules a few years ago—have, through watching their kids—become fans and this, coupled with the passage of time will mean that someday, soccer will be #1 in the states as well. It’s almost a foregone conclusion. Baseball has lost youth participation to sports like lacrosse. As kids grow up, they are more likely to gravitate to becoming fans of sports that they themselves play—or played.

Hockey, football and even baseball can be expensive sports. The cost of even used equipment can be a barrier to both families—and schools. With soccer, the cleats, shin guards and a ball are about all you need.

So, starting this weekend, the world turns its attention to South Africa—and the most popular sport on the globe. My bet is that TV ratings--even here in the U.S.---- will break records.

GO USA!!!!!

If you’d like my weekday blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com