why isnt soccer popular in america?

Answer 1

I think it is not as popular as other sports for several reasons. I will give props to some of the previous answers other that the soccer haters that just waste space.

First is the image it has. People think it is a sport for the middle-upper class and only in the suburbs. Unfortunately there is some truth in that there is a lot of talent being overlooked in the inner cities and rural communities. An effort must be made to find the strong atheletes early and keep them in soccer before they go into basketball and football.

Second, the emaphasis on youth soccer is on results. Parents want their child to be on a winning team first rather that allow them to develop their skills and improve as players. That is why we do not have the C. Ronaldo's, Ronaldinho's, E'to's or Saha's in this country. Note the world cup performance where our "golden boy" seemed to not want the ball at his feet, he didn't look comfortable with the ball. We need to allow the kids to think on thier own and develop the skill, creativity and instinct of top ranked players. Case in point, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady. They didn't get that skill from practices and coaching. They developed it when they were younger on the playgrounds where coaches didn't dictate the game.

Third, there is a lack of marketing in the sport. Unfortunately there is not much money being made as there is in basketball, football or baseball. That is why we lose the potential soccer stars to those other sports. Increase the salaries in MLS. Also the marketing isn't reaching the soccer fans in the US. Many US soccer fans are the lower - middle class and immigrants. Target this population and it will be a step in the right direction.

Fourth, there is a closed minded and ignorant group out there that will down on soccer anytime they can and the media listens to that. The article bayernfan00 mentions is right. There are more youth in soccer that any other sport. Unfortunately many leave the sport at around 10-11 years.

These are just a few reasons but the biggest thing is we need the masses to become educated on the game and give it a chance.

Answer 2

I think it's on the way of being popular. On the expanded cable/satellite services, it's now much easier to watch games of different leagues than it was in previous years. There certainly has to be a few changes though:

1) Ownership - several clubs are owned by the same people/consortium.. This could rather unbalance one club in favor of another.

2) Salary caps - recently they made some rule where you can pay above salary cap for 1 player, or up to 2 if another high wage player transfers into the club. maybe if a few more higher wage (read: better quality) players were allowed in, the power or remote familiarity of those famous names (like Beckham, Ronaldo have been floating lately) would draw more viewers to the television.

3) More futbol academies. Each MLS or professional team should have a youth division to further coach/enthuse younger players to continue on with the sport. It's been done in Europe and the Americas for a long time now.

4) Better stadiums: On occasion watching an MLS game, the distinct chalk lines of an American Football field are predominant, which decreases that much more the professional appearance of the game. There are a few soccer stadiums in the works though, so that's good.

5) More competition in other tournaments: Copa Sudamericana comes to mind, as well as other regional competitions.

6) Crappy announcers: I'll state for the record now that I'm an American, but words cannot describe how much I hate most of the American announcers. Their lack of knowledge, enthusiasm and just general stupid banter usually make me flip the channel and/or watch the game in Spanish if it's available in that format.

There are other reasons that come to mind soon, but overall... I think it'll become more popular than it is now, especially with the younger generations and more of an immigrant population from futbol heavy nations.

Answer 3

The American sports mind is more on the level of grand slams and knockouts and hail mary passes than a 0-0 draw that includes drama and excellent tactics and courage and team unity. We want to see Tiger Woods win by 12 strokes, the Yankees by 15 runs and the Cowboys by four touchdowns.

I think soccer has a beautiful subtle air about it that doesn't jive with American sport. It's unfortunate. The passion Pittsburgh Steelers fans have for their team is so different from the allegiance a Celtic or Arsenal fan knows. Colors are easier to change in America.

In a land fixated on biggie-sizing lunch and towering SUVs, the beauty of a 1-0 win against your rival seems a letdown. In America, it should have been 10-0.

Answer 4

It's in need of a cultural change. The best opportunity was after Korea & Japan 2002. The American's finished in the 1/4 finals (although the timezone didnt suit you). It's all about timing... people will watch any sport you tell them too, if it's quality and well marketed.

I'm not a fan of American sports - Basketball, Baseball and GridIron seem to spend more time going to advertisements then actually playing!!!

But we in Australia have the same problem, football (soccer) is only now beginning to become popular, due to our successes in Germany 2006.

Answer 5

I think one reason is that there are so many sports to choose from and soccer got such a late start in the States. Fact is, a study published a couple of years ago said that there are more kids playing soccer now than little league baseball, but as they get older, the more popular sports take over. I think popularity is on the rise, I didn't really start watching soccer until about 7 years ago and now it's my favorite sport to watch.

Answer 6

those that say it relatively is a wimpy interest have in no way performed at a aggressive point. Granted I performed ice hockey alot extra becoming up and could say that soccer isn't very nearly as heavy on the actual touch. That being stated, the those that analyze it to american soccer are retarded, i might decide for to determine Jason Taylor run his *** off for ninety minutes, no longer 10 seconds then a 30-40 5 2d wreck. American soccer gamers are equipped to be explosive yet very few have genuine stamina. that's no longer tricky to determine why whilst they're grotesquely extensive (6'2" 300lbs isn't prevalent). soccer heavily isn't oftentimes going on right here because of fact the U.S. isn't between the right communities, till they strengthen some good gamers or import them (freddy adu) then human beings will stay disinterested.

Answer 7

I'll give you 10 reasons.


1.)Because Americans don't domintate in it.
2.) Because the Maldovian league has more credability than MLS
3.) Salary caps are stupid.
4.) For most of the season the games are meaningless. MLS needs to get together with USL and form one table for MLS and one for USL. The team that finishes last MLS gets relegated to USL. The team that finishes first in USL gets promoted to MLS. This would make the league more exciting.
5.) I hate watching soccer on a gridline stadium.
6.) Soccer is for rich folks in America. They need to open it out for the masses.
7.) this adidas sponsership thing is annoying. I want to see some other brands on the ptich.
8.) ESPN tries to broadcast soccer like they do football. They need to stop bothering he coach and let him do his job.
9.) MLS needs more teams and more El Classicos and things like that.
10.) American chants are boring. They just shout U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A. Yeah, that supposed to strike fear in the hearts of thier opponents. Not to mention American football has NO style and NO flair.

Answer 8

Get David Beckham, Zidane kind of players and then watch your MLS pick up the steam. I've managed to catch a few MLS games here on CH5 and they've been decent enough. Certainly Scottish Premier Division level of quality in the teams.

Answer 9

Soccer is very popular in America it's the stupid networks who don't want to take a chance.

Answer 10

great question! lol. it is because americans dont appreciate a real sport. soccer is much more contact than football... ill guarantee it. i played both soccer and football and broke my leg twice and fractured my neck in soccer. thats far more worse than jamming my thumbs in football. agreed?