Soccer, or football as it is known in most parts of the world, has become an integral part of the sports landscape in the United States over the last few decades. With millions of fans and participants across the country, soccer has carved out a unique cultural niche that highlights some of the best elements of the American experience.
The Growth of Soccer in the US
While soccer has a long history in the US, going back to the late 1800s when immigrants brought the sport over, it did not gain widespread popularity until the 1970s and 1980s. Two key factors drove this growth:
- The success of the US men’s and women’s national teams, which raised the profile of the sport domestically. Landmark moments included the USMNT qualifying for the 1990 World Cup after a 40-year absence and the USWNT winning the inaugural 1991 Women’s World Cup.
- The number of American kids taking up youth soccer, which created a new generation of fans. Youth participation numbers increased from around 2 million in the mid-1970s to over 13 million by the 1990s.
By 2016 over 24 million Americans were playing soccer regularly, reflecting its status as the third most played sport in the US after basketball and baseball. Its growth has been a steady rise over the past half century.
Soccer Brings Together Diverse Communities
A unique aspect of soccer’s growth in the US is how it has unified diverse communities. Soccer sees high participation across different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. The sport’s relative affordability and accessibility compared to others like football allow it to transcend some traditional barriers.
- Soccer is played extensively in Hispanic/Latino communities, where it is often a central part of cultural identity. Over 50% of Hispanic Americans are soccer fans.
- The rise in youth soccer coincided with waves of immigration, leading to strong participation from first and second generation immigrant families.
- Soccer’s more modest equipment costs compared to sports like football and hockey have made it accessible across economic strata.
- Minority youth in many urban communities grow up playing soccer from a young age.
This ability to bring people together through a shared activity and passion is a core part of soccer’s appeal.
Soccer Participation by Demographic Segment
| Demographic | Share of Soccer Participants |
|---|---|
| Hispanic/Latino | 20% |
| Non-Hispanic White | 46% |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 13% |
| Asian | 4% |
| Other | 17% |
Soccer Culture Reflects American Values
Much of the culture around soccer embodies some quintessential American values. The teamwork, work ethic, and perseverance soccer requires align with American ideals of community spirit and self-improvement.
The growth of passionate soccer supporters’ culture with its creative tifos, chants, and tailgates ties into traditions of expressing oneself freely. These supporters’ groups have given American soccer its own unique flavor.
The commitment of countless parents and families to youth soccer clubs and leagues reflects American volunteerism. Soccer leagues depend on dedicated community members giving their time and resources.
Soccer has a do-it-yourself ethic that resonates with America’s entrepreneurial spirit. The sport’s history in the US shows how teams were built from the grassroots up.
Signature Moments: Events that Defined U.S. Soccer
A few monumental events have significantly influenced soccer’s narrative in the U.S:
- Hosting the 1994 FIFA World Cup: Boosted soccer’s image and led to the inception of MLS.
- U.S. Women’s National Team World Cup Wins: Amplified the prominence of women’s soccer, with their victories in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019.
- Growth of Soccer Specific Stadiums: Highlighted the growing commitment to soccer infrastructure in the country.
- Emergence of U.S. Talent in European Clubs: Players like Christian Pulisic, making a mark in top European leagues, underscored the country’s potential.
To conclude, in a relatively short period of time, soccer has become a celebrated American pastime. It offers an inclusive and accessible activity that brings together all segments of society. The culture around the sport promotes cherished American values. Soccer’s rise reflects the best of the American spirit and is now a fundamental part of this nation’s identity.