MLS trying to improve US appeal

[phatbc]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=ap-mls-bundesliga&prov=ap&type=lgns

I think it is great that they are looking to improve MLS, but I think the only problem is that Americans tastes are different than that of Europeans. I think they maybe need to look at the European leagues for soccer advice, but as far as improving their image in the US, they must look at top American sports commissioners, executives, etc. Any thoughts from soccer fans and non-soccer fans?

And please only respond if you have a positive solution, or other non-bashing ideas concerning this topic.

[whitelightnin_23]

they should do like we do with everything else...

take a foreign idea & Americanize it...
David Bekham was a good start...they'll make him a celeb (already are) sell a ton of jerseys...and another star will follow suit...and bam, there ya go.

They'll also have to make the college game more marketable. The problem w/ soccer is that it is huge up until Jr High/High School, when the great athletes want to play football (and you can't/or it is difficult to play both)...it pretty much dies there.

[phatbc]

i agree with that. thanks monkey:gig: :rep:

although, I hope they don't change the game too much by "Americanizing" it. But definitely with trying to make the players stars, ads, other promos etc. is great.



EDIT i have to spread it around first.

[Pumchavas28]

It would be tough for them to change rules, especially if they want to be competitive against other countries which is what this is for to begin with.....

Granted they want to appeal to Americans so that the US can invest money in the sport, but all that is so that the we can compete with other countries like Italy, France, Germany, England & Argentina who actually do spend quite a bit of $$$$$ on their teams....

But if they really want to get the attention of Americans... they will have to really push it & add to the games... Get involved in commercial deals, Market your best players, Strike up TV deals (with the right people) & so on.....

If they were smart they would look to do things similar to what the NFL does & that's hit them when they are young..... The NFL does it by sponsoring pee-wee teams & also with their punt, pass, & kick competition & their Flag Football events...

Soccer has a very big young audience... they just need to keep them & work at them growing up....

Also Soccer wont grow if Universities don't put it out there.... There aren't as many Schools that play soccer as there are playing Baseball, Basketball & Football... if you get Schools involve you get LOYAL & STRONG followings when they are at the age of 18 - 22.... Without help from schools, MLS might grow, but at a snails pace... Universities & interest from High School kids going to College will help the whole issue... That in itself will create a better draft & better talent for the MLS to choose from which will help them market players... Players that would have had 3 to 4 years to put their name out there with a specific fan base & have a strong following..... Similar to the way Houston Texans Fans wanted Vince Young....

There is allot MLS can do, but it will take time & $$$$$.....

[Mole]

My problem as a non-soccer fan is the pace of the game. Too much running and kicking the ball around and not enough scoring points. If they could do something to pick up the pace of the game that would be cool.

[phatbc]

very good post pum. :rep:

[Pumchavas28]

2 good companies which are going through a similar issue are the WNBA & AFL.... both are trying to grow in America & Compete with NASCAR, MLB, NBA, & NFL... to grow itself... MLS should adopt their methods to try & compete with the big boys....

Case in point... the AFL struck a deal with ESPN, now you see AFL news every day with highlights... before you never saw as much attention being paid to the sport....

The WNBA actually has it's draft Televised & what not & their games are also televised because of the several deals they have that mirror the NBA's deals.....

[Pumchavas28]

My problem as a non-soccer fan is the pace of the game. Too much running and kicking the ball around and not enough scoring points. If they could do something to pick up the pace of the game that would be cool.


Unfortunatly the rules are set up for that type of game... if anything they could change the scoring formula to fool fans the way the NBA & NFL have....

1 Goal = 12 points & so on.....

[phatbc]

Soccer is a strategic sport that isn't really comparable to any major sport in the US. You would think it could fill the niche nicely.

[Mole]

Unfortunatly the rules are set up for that type of game... if anything they could change the scoring formula to fool fans the way the NBA & NFL have....

1 Goal = 12 points & so on.....

I would also say there can be no ties. You have to declare a winner and a looser.

[whitelightnin_23]

I would also say there can be no ties. You have to declare a winner and a looser.

that fits in more with our society...

...and makes sense...why play 2-4 (or however long a soccer game is) hours and not have a result?

penalty shots seem to have made the NHL more exciting...maybe it would work for soccer?

[Mole]

that fits in more with our society...

...and makes sense...why play 2-4 (or however long a soccer game is) hours and not have a result?

penalty shots seem to have made the NHL more exciting...maybe it would work for soccer?

I think so.

What if they had something like a 5 second rule for soccer like they do in basketball? Obviously it would have to be a little bit longer. Say a team has 15 seconds to clear the ball into the other teams end of the field. I don't think that would change the game too much so we would still be able to compete with the rest of the world. Also it would definately increase the amount of time you spend in the other teams end of the field. That would increase the amount of shots you take to try to score. I think that would appeal to the American crowd more. It's not so much the non scoring as it is the long time between shots to try and score.

[whitelightnin_23]

I think so.

What if they had something like a 5 second rule for soccer like they do in basketball? Obviously it would have to be a little bit longer. Say a team has 15 seconds to clear the ball into the other teams end of the field. I don't think that would change the game too much so we would still be able to compete with the rest of the world. Also it would definately increase the amount of time you spend in the other teams end of the field. That would increase the amount of shots you take to try to score. I think that would appeal to the American crowd more. It's not so much the non scoring as it is the long time between shots to try and score.

also something that hurts the commercial appeal of soccer is that there are no time-outs...hardly any breaks in action...

perhaps a mixture of the above "5 second rule" and some breaks in the "action" would help the game, both commercially & in fan "appreciation".

[Mole]

also something that hurts the commercial appeal of soccer is that there are no time-outs...hardly any breaks in action...

perhaps a mixture of the above "5 second rule" and some breaks in the "action" would help the game, both commercially & in fan "appreciation".

another good idea.:gig:

[phatbc]

you know what, I am a soccer enthusiast, and love it the way it is.

that being said, you guys bring up some interesting ideas for the MLS.

maybe a 10-15 sec rule to get it past half isn't a bad idea. If you don't get it over, it could be a free kick at the spot. the problem is, this would increase the number of random clears out of the area giving it a more frantic kickball feel. and, it may not really speed the game up enough.

for now, I think if we get younger players more involved and can get them to STAY IN SOCCER, it will increase our potential nationally, and worldwide. With our success growing on the world-stage, more fans will appreciate the game itself with little changes needed.

[Dustin00whoop]

Change the clock where it counts down & make it official. No one likes watching a clock count upwards while wondering how much time is actually left.

[phatbc]

^
yeah, I know they do it like this in girls ncaa soccer. they count down and the buzzer sounds at 0:00.

[TwelfthAG]

Change the clock where it counts down & make it official. No one likes watching a clock count upwards while wondering how much time is actually left.

:laugh: It counts up :laugh:

[hmiles619]

the problem with that is that it's easier to just kill the clock in soccer than it is in say basketball. You can't foul them and send them to the line like you do in basketball.

I think we'd have a tough time changing the rules of the game...and it's actually a great game to begin with. If people would pay more attention, they'd see the beauty in the game without scoring. Hell, look at baseball. Most of the baseball game isn't even playing. Most of the time is spent between pitches or warming up the pitcher for the next inning.

[The Massacre]

MLS would have less to improve if soccer didn't suck:)

[legelegel]

The answer is our colleges must begin to promote mens soccer like they did womens basketball. Can you remember when there were no women playing college basketball? I can.

There are fans that would come watch American kids play the game. I see it at the NAIA level when I watch my nephew play. The games lack of scoring is not a problem throughout the world so it should not be here either. People think baseball needs more scoring, but fans adore those who can throw the high heat and ring up the KKKKKKK. Pitching is the first line of defense in baseball and fans are always hoping to see a dominate pitcher and a no hitter. It is what keeps them on the edge of their seats, like third downs in football.

Soccer can do the same thing to the American sports fan, if we can just get them to spend a little time watching and learning the game.

It was colleges that created the fans for football, basketball, track & field and most of the sports this country follows. Baseball and boxing are the first two that come to mind that would be exceptions.

Colleges can create the fan base for soccer too, if they just try.

43

[TwelfthAG]

The answer is our colleges must begin to promote mens soccer like they did womens basketball. Can you remember when there were no women playing college basketball? I can.

There are fans that would come watch American kids play the game. I see it at the NAIA level when I watch my nephew play. The games lack of scoring is not a problem throughout the world so it should not be here either. People think baseball needs more scoring, but fans adore those who can throw the high heat and ring up the KKKKKKK. Pitching is the first line of defense in baseball and fans are always hoping to see a dominate pitcher and a no hitter. It is what keeps them on the edge of their seats, like third downs in football.

Soccer can do the same thing to the American sports fan, if we can just get them to spend a little time watching and learning the game.

It was colleges that created the fans for football, basketball, track & field and most of the sports this country follows. Baseball and boxing are the first two that come to mind that would be exceptions.

Colleges can create the fan base for soccer too, if they just try.

43

Colleges, like A&M and tu, won't start men's soccer because that would use up too many men's scholarships.

[phatbc]

there are a bunch of men's college soccer teams already. I agree that they need to promote them more, and really go ground roots to the youth level and ODPs (olympic development program).

It will also help if we can get some of our best athletes to stay in soccer and not switch to another sport they are also good at.

[whitelightnin_23]

there are a bunch of men's college soccer teams already. I agree that they need to promote them more, and really go ground roots to the youth level and ODPs (olympic development program).

It will also help if we can get some of our best athletes to stay in soccer and not switch to another sport they are also good at.

the problem with that is you're competing directly with football (in HS & College)...that's where the premier athlete's go...because it's more popular (more fans, w/ the ladies, rock star status, etc) and because IF you go pro...more $. If you go pro in Soccer, then what? You probably still have to have a day job...

[phatbc]

^

oh I agree completely. Thats why I'm saying if they can offer enough incentive, and draw these kids into soccer...if they do a better job of making MLS stars WORLD STARS, then maybe they could do it.

[legelegel]

College's won't start men's soccer because that would use up too many men's scholarships.

Should Soccer Compete with Football or Baseball?

They would not have to use up (or other sports lose) scholarships. They would just have to add more with the approval of the NCAA.

The real question for soccer is determining what time of the year it should be played. I disliked soccer when my son was trying to play, because it competed with baseball in the spring. I believe he would have continued playing soccer into college, if it had not competed with baseball for his springtime. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school. He played baseball in college and professionally. He could have easily played soccer instead of football.

If soccer is to succeed, it has to be played when football is played. Don't make a kid choose between baseball and soccer. Most soccer players have elected to play soccer over football, because their size has limited them or they just didn't want to risk major knee injury playing football. Let football compete for the skilled players that soccer must have and the fans that college football has priced out of the market place. College football is becoming corporate America's sport. Soccer could become the college student's sport along with many other American fans.

[Pumchavas28]

the problem with that is you're competing directly with football (in HS & College)...that's where the premier athlete's go...because it's more popular (more fans, w/ the ladies, rock star status, etc) and because IF you go pro...more $. If you go pro in Soccer, then what? You probably still have to have a day job...


You don't think there are enough kids in Highschool who could fill a Soccer Roster without hurting Football rosters?

I can tell you right now having played Soccer in Highschool, that aside from myself & maybe 1 other guy on the team, no one else on the team cared about Football....

There are plenty of kids out there (ESPECIALLY IN TEXAS) that can play soccer who never had an interest in Football...

If anything most kids who have interests in Soccer normally like baseball also....

Especially in this state.... and lets not forget the huge minority population in this country that comes from countries where Soccer is huge.... They aren't into Football or Basketball but have little to nothing to grab onto here in the US & the MLS if done right could (at 1st) target that demographic.

[Pumchavas28]

also something that hurts the commercial appeal of soccer is that there are no time-outs...hardly any breaks in action...

perhaps a mixture of the above "5 second rule" and some breaks in the "action" would help the game, both commercially & in fan "appreciation".


But that the thing about soccer... except for when toddlers are playing... the rules are the same from the time kids are 8 to 10 years old all the way to the Pro's...

Soccer has time-outs & substitutions, but they wont have breaks in the game because there are no huddles, no innings, & in the end it trys to stay away from being overly commercial.... Even during the World Cup which drew an even larger crowd than the Super Bowl, they didn't have commercials... all the press was about the game, there were no breaks in for Ford, Mitzubishi, Dell, Wendy's or anything else.... It was just the game & that is what Soccer is about....

Folks complain about commercials & the length of a game, yet we want more time outs for a sport who's game already takes as long as a Basketball game.... That wouldn't make sence...

Even the NCAA is going through these growing pains in Football with the length of the game & it has been said several times on here to cut down on the length of commercials & or to get rid of them.

[TwelfthAG]

Should Soccer Compete with Football or Baseball?

They would not have to use up (or other sports lose) scholarships. They would just have to add more with the approval of the NCAA.

The real question for soccer is determining what time of the year it should be played. I disliked soccer when my son was trying to play, because it competed with baseball in the spring. I believe he would have continued playing soccer into college, if it had not competed with baseball for his springtime. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school. He played baseball in college and professionally. He could have easily played soccer instead of football.

If soccer is to succeed, it has to be played when football is played. Don't make a kid choose between baseball and soccer. Most soccer players have elected to play soccer over football, because their size has limited them or they just didn't want to risk major knee injury playing football. Let football compete for the skilled players that soccer must have and the fans that college football has priced out of the market place. College football is becoming corporate America's sport. Soccer could become the college student's sport along with many American fans.

You would lose scholarships to keep it even with the amount of girls scholarships.

[Pumchavas28]

There are fans that would come watch American kids play the game. I see it at the NAIA level when I watch my nephew play. The games lack of scoring is not a problem throughout the world so it should not be here either. People think baseball needs more scoring, but fans adore those who can throw the high heat and ring up the KKKKKKK. Pitching is the first line of defense in baseball and fans are always hoping to see a dominate pitcher and a no hitter. It is what keeps them on the edge of their seats, like third downs in football.

Soccer can do the same thing to the American sports fan, if we can just get them to spend a little time watching and learning the game.


Agreed... Goalies could fill in that role as poster boys similar to pitchers in baseball....

Lets not forget that in Soccer you normally have the bulk of your players on Defense... You will see 2 or 3 players as your Forwards, 2 or 3 as Mid-Fielders & 3, 4 or sometimes 5 as Defenders not counting the Goalie... Which could equal as many as 6 defending the goal.

[Pumchavas28]

You would lose scholarships to keep it even with the amount of girls scholarships.


They couldn't adjust the number of scholarships? Is there a rule against adjusting the number of ships?

I mean they recently put a cap on the number of ships a football team could have, why not grant a school more ships for soccer? :spy:

[TwelfthAG]

They couldn't adjust the number of scholarships? Is there a rule against adjusting the number of ships?

I mean they recently put a cap on the number of ships a football team could have, why not grant a school more ships for soccer? :spy:

Cause then it wouldn't follow Title IX.

[legelegel]

They couldn't adjust the number of scholarships? Is there a rule against adjusting the number of ships?

I mean they recently put a cap on the number of ships a football team could have, why not grant a school more ships for soccer? :spy:

:rep: I agee. I agree. Now the question is when should soccer be played. It is not a real threat to football's limited number of skilled players.

[legelegel]

Cause then it wouldn't follow Title IX.

The girl's could add bowling or whatever.

[Pumchavas28]

http://http://uclabruins.cstv.com/#00

A&M has Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Cross Country....

Other Schools like UCLA have all the same sports as A&M except swimming & diving but they do have Soccer, Volleyball, & Water Polo which A&M & tu do not....

[TwelfthAG]

Another reason we don't have a men's soccer team is travel cost. Not enough teams in the area to play against.

[Pumchavas28]

The girl's could add bowling or whatever.

Gymnastics or Water Polo could work for the ladies & that would be sweet.:gig:

[TwelfthAG]

Also, you're talking about adding more sports that just lose money.
Only two college sports make money.

[Pumchavas28]

Also, you're talking about adding more sports that just lose money.
Only two college sports make money.


Is A&M that hard up for cash? I mean are other schools like UCLA making that much more than the Ags?

[TwelfthAG]

Is A&M that hard up for cash? I mean are other schools like UCLA making that much more than the Ags?

Well, I do know texas has a ton more than us. No use in losing more ground.

[legelegel]

Another reason we don't have a men's soccer team is travel cost. Not enough teams in the area to play against.

Round Robin Games ... Big 12 Effort Needed

It would have to be a Big 12 effort. A few teams would not do.

They could have round robin games. Three teams play could play three games in one trip. Home team "A" could play visiting "B" on the first of three days of play. Visiting team "C" arrives on the second day and plays visiting "B" on a neutral field. Visiting "B" leaves on the second day. Visiting "C" plays "A" on the third day and "C" leaves that day. No play between the North and South until a best of three championship.

Basketball could do the same thing.

[TwelfthAG]

Round Robin Games ... Big 12 Effort Needed

It would have to be a Big 12 effort. A few teams would not do.

They could have round robin games. Three teams play could play three games in one trip. Home team "A" could play visiting "B" on the first of three days of play. Visiting team "C" arrives on the second day and plays visiting "B" on a neutral field. Visiting "B" leaves on the second day. Visiting "C" plays "A" on the third day and "C" leaves that day. No play between the North and South until a best of three championship.

Basketball could do the same thing.

What is the motivation for all the time and effort though?

[Dustin00whoop]

Look, you can't just simply "add more scholarships". The money for those scholarships has to come from somewhere. So now, not only are you adding sports that lose money, but you are paying for these athletes to get a free education. There is a reason why archery is no longer a scholarship sport.

[whitelightnin_23]

But that the thing about soccer... except for when toddlers are playing... the rules are the same from the time kids are 8 to 10 years old all the way to the Pro's...

Soccer has time-outs & substitutions, but they wont have breaks in the game because there are no huddles, no innings, & in the end it trys to stay away from being overly commercial.... Even during the World Cup which drew an even larger crowd than the Super Bowl, they didn't have commercials... all the press was about the game, there were no breaks in for Ford, Mitzubishi, Dell, Wendy's or anything else.... It was just the game & that is what Soccer is about....

Folks complain about commercials & the length of a game, yet we want more time outs for a sport who's game already takes as long as a Basketball game.... That wouldn't make sence...

Even the NCAA is going through these growing pains in Football with the length of the game & it has been said several times on here to cut down on the length of commercials & or to get rid of them.

the thread is about improving US appeal...obviously soccer isn't popular in the states...that's been said on both sides of the subject...it needs help. I'm not bashing it...just suggesting things that they could possibly improve.

The key to professional sports success (in the states) is corporate sponsorship...that's very difficult to do in soccer...just saying things like "you don't understand the game"...and "that's the beauty of soccer" (in reference to no commercials)...is not helping anyone...bottom line, in order to make it in the states...soccer must change.

what would basketball be like w/o the shot clock? b-o-r-i-n-g...holding the ball is not a strategy...

[hmiles619]

soccer isn't going to change to adapt to the United States audience. Soccer is a world wide sport that isn't going to change its rules to be gimmicky and draw a crowd.

Millions of people love soccer, so it's not soccer (the game) that needs to change....things can be done in marketing like the NBA or NFL has done that will draw a crowd base. It may not surpass the NFL, but soccer is quickly growing in popularity in the United States.

I agree that the game could be marketed better though, and those are the things that should be focused on to improve on the image of soccer throughout the United States

[whitelightnin_23]

soccer isn't going to change to adapt to the United States audience. Soccer is a world wide sport that isn't going to change its rules to be gimmicky and draw a crowd.

exactly the perception that will make it not popular...

I'll give you that w/ the acquisition of beckham, soccer will get more attention in the states...but that is just a temporary fix...

basketball is a world-wide sport...yet the NBA has different rules from college, international, etc...is that "gimmicky", maybe...but it works. Hell football (the real one) has different rules from College to pro...college baseball uses aluminum bats...is this "gimmicky"? I'll leave that up for debate...

Soccers inability or unwillingness to change is it's main downfall...period.

[whitelightnin_23]

but soccer is quickly growing in popularity in the United States.

so is the wnba. :wow:

[Pumchavas28]

exactly the perception that will make it not popular...

Why do people think that Soccer must appeal to the typical jock & the typical fan.....

The United States has so many people that don't watch Football & Basketball or Baseball... Don't laugh but has anyone seen the TV ratings for Soccer on Spanish Stations?

If the ratings weren't that great they would have stopped back when I was 5 years old... but they get the viewers they need....

Soccer could grow in America despite Football or Basketball & without changing it's rules....

What everyone forgets is that there is Soccer in Canada & Mexico... there really isn't any real Football or Basketball in either country... the MLS would not only be in direct competition with the NFL, NBA, & MLB... but also with South America & Canada....

And the MLS can & should seriously target the Soccer audience in America.... On ESPN you hear Football, Basketball & other commentators from other sports with little to no knowledge of the sport speak of the lack of audience....

Have they gone out on a Saturday & seen how many kids play soccer... I can tell you right now that here in San Antonio & in Houston there are thousands of kids who play youth soccer.... that is 1 or 2 parents per kid... that's 2 to 3 people a pop the MLS could target.... you do the math.... It's not easy but it's not as hard as some make it out to seem...

Women's Soccer is growing.. why because they target the young girls who play youth soccer, hold camps & what not & also have the support of Schools across the country at the College & High School level....

I challenge anyone to go out this Saturday & find a Soccer park where you would normally find Soccer games taking place & count how many kids are playing & how many parents are with them.....

And then emagine how good the MLS could be if they targeted that audience....

And the more I think about it the more I don't understand why Soccer must compete against Football & Baskeball directly.... I love the Spurs & Cowboys equally.... Not to mention I follow FC & the Dynamo (Both Texas Soccer Teams in MLS)... and I haven't found it hard...

Many of you follow Basketball, Football & even Baseball... I am not saying ya'll specifically.. but who's to say others could just add Soccer as something to watch...

God knows I can stand that Football is Over & now the Wife dominates the Big Screen on weekends.....

[Dustin00whoop]

Most parents of kids who play youth soccer don't like soccer. They just allow their kids to play with the hopes that its a phase that their kids will hurry up & grow out of.

[Pumchavas28]

Most parents of kids who play youth soccer don't like soccer. They just allow their kids to play with the hopes that its a phase that their kids will hurry up & grow out of.


Most parents who don't like soccer, don't let their kids play it...

That's like letting your Son do Gymnastics & you can't stand it... That's something I wouldn't let him do... Don't have a son, but if I did & he liked Gym I wouldn't let him do it...

I mean for crying out loud, the kid is 4 & older... how hard is it to tell a 4 year old "NO"... I tell my daughter "NO" all the time... For Movies & whatever... Especially when I know it's something I don't like & or want her apart of....

I understand some parents can't say "NO", but that's on them for being out there in the 1st place....

It's Honor thy Father & Mother.... Not the other way around.

If my Parents did want me doing something, they didn't let me... hell I didn't even want to play soccer when I was 4, my mom got me out there... I did it for a season & was hooked... and still am 23 years later....

[whitelightnin_23]

Why do people think that Soccer must appeal to the typical jock & the typical fan...

this thread is about "improving US appeal". I was offering ways I thought could actually HELP the sport...

look...no one disputes that soccer is popular (when you're 3-4, or before jr. high)...but that popularity dies out? WHY??? because we have more marketable, more exciting sports that are more age appropriate...so people choose to play/support those.

you don't need to tell me how many kids are out there playing soccer...I was one of them...this has been going on for at least 25 years...yet soccer has not grown in popularity in the U.S. (or at least not as much as it should).

twist it as you might...the problem is soccer's inability/unwillingness to adapt to reach kids when they get to jr. high, high school, and beyond.

just throwing it out there...but WHY can't you have a league (MLS) that has some slightly different rules that would make the game more fan-friendly for the U.S.?

[Dustin00whoop]

That makes no sense, Pum! I'm going to deny my child from trying a sport just because I don't like the sport. Thats a horrible way of parenting. My daughter wants to dance, but I don't like dancing, so I'm not going to let her? That has to be the most asinine post you have made in quite some time.

[whitelightnin_23]

Most parents of kids who play youth soccer don't like soccer. They just allow their kids to play with the hopes that its a phase that their kids will hurry up & grow out of.

and at that age (soccer starts @ 4) football isn't an option, or parents don't want their kids to play FB that early.

there's a 1:1 relationship to where football increases in popularity and futbol decreases in popularity...

[whitelightnin_23]

I actually disagree w/ you Dustin. I personally elieve soccer is a good sport for young kids...teaches them competition, teamwork, etc at a young age...other than t-ball...there are very few options at that young age...

[Dustin00whoop]

I actually disagree w/ you Dustin. I personally elieve soccer is a good sport for young kids...teaches them competition, teamwork, etc at a young age...other than t-ball...there are very few options at that young age...

What does soccer being good for young kids have to do with the parents being fans of soccer. The whole reason I made that post was because Pum was talking about all the potential soccer fans in America. The kids playing plus one or two parents per child. I'm just saying I don't think those parents are potential soccer fans. They go to their kids soccer games only because its their kid. They don't like the sport....at least that is the case for everyone I know who currently has kids playing soccer.

[whitelightnin_23]

What does soccer being good for young kids have to do with the parents being fans of soccer. The whole reason I made that post was because Pum was talking about all the potential soccer fans in America. The kids playing plus one or two parents per child. I'm just saying I don't think those parents are potential soccer fans. They go to their kids soccer games only because its their kid. They don't like the sport....at least that is the case for everyone I know who currently has kids playing soccer.

alright...I understand now...:cool:

[Pumchavas28]

That makes no sense, Pum! I'm going to deny my child from trying a sport just because I don't like the sport. Thats a horrible way of parenting. My daughter wants to dance, but I don't like dancing, so I'm not going to let her? That has to be the most asinine post you have made in quite some time.


Kids don't like things their parents don't expose them too....

If you expose your kid to Soccer & they like it, then that's on the parent...

A 4 year old kid knows only about Dora the Explorer & the Wiggles.. anything past that & they know what parents show them in the outside world....

Hell my daughter thinks every team in every sport I watch is either A&M or tu... that's all she knows.. She calls the Spurs, Aggies & the Cowboys, Aggies...

So if a Parent gets a kid involved that early, 9 out of 10 times, it's because the parent picked it for something for the kid to do, not because the 4 year old asked for it.... 4 year olds ask for toys, candy, & when it thunders outside to sleep with Mom & Dad...

So when you said it's a phase for kids from parents who don't like the sport, that's on the parent for letting their kid play that early & introducing it to their kids at that young of an age....

4 year olds copy dances on TV & bad words when Dad closes the door on his thumb.... very rarely do they start copying sports...

Which is why when kids are 4, the only rule in soccer is get the ball in the net.... they don't use formations, they don't have goalies, they don't have positions... it's 16 kids from 2 teams running around trying to kick 1 ball for about an hour & they call it a day...

[Pumchavas28]

What does soccer being good for young kids have to do with the parents being fans of soccer. The whole reason I made that post was because Pum was talking about all the potential soccer fans in America. The kids playing plus one or two parents per child. I'm just saying I don't think those parents are potential soccer fans. They go to their kids soccer games only because its their kid. They don't like the sport....at least that is the case for everyone I know who currently has kids playing soccer.


I guess it depends on the area of the state/nation your in then... I have coached soccer here on Lackland for youth kids & most of the parents play on the base team which I have played on also... and we compete against other teams across San Antonio & my wife in Houston knows quite a few folks over there who are into the game as well & who got their kids into the game, not the other way around.

[whitelightnin_23]

yeah, but I think the point is...there's a difference in doing what is best for your kids at that age and being a fan of a sport.

I'm a fan of my little girl and will support whatever interests she has...even if it is band :wow:...

[Pumchavas28]

yeah, but I think the point is...there's a difference in doing what is best for your kids at that age and being a fan of a sport.

I'm a fan of my little girl and will support whatever interests she has...even if it is band :wow:...


Yeah but if she likes band... that is something you really don't have control over her being exposed to it when she is 4...

I know my Aunt (Single Mom) doesn't like Soccer, but she loves Track & Field, so she used to go to the Football Stadium in Harlingen & take my Cousin with her & they would race... now he is a nut for Track & Field...

She could have introduced Soccer to him, but didn't... She chose Track.. she got him running & walking around the track & until he tore his ACL in College, he was pretty good at it...

In this day & age, Soccer is not the only option for kids... there are plenty... It's not 1980 anymore... There are a ton of things kids can do... if a kid is playing soccer, then the parents exposed the kid to it for one reason or other & now the kid likes it....

[Dustin00whoop]

Well, maybe its like white said....soccer & t-ball are the best sports (or only sports) available for 4 year olds. And just because one may think that soccer is a good introduction into sports for a 4 year old doesn't mean that they like the professional version of the sport in the least. You see tons of soccer moms across America, but you don't see very many of them at professional soccer matches.

Or maybe, said 4 year old has friends who are all playing soccer, so they want to play too. You are saying that if you aren't a soccer fan you should tell the 4 year old, "No, you can't play. I don't like soccer." That makes no sense. You let them play with hopes that as they get older they find something else that they like more. :D

[whitelightnin_23]

I think Dustin just hit the nail on the head on how to improve the image of soccer in the US...

soccer is sitting on a gold mine & doesn't even know it...

promote the SOCCER MOMS!!!

[Pumchavas28]

:laugh:

[Mole]

I think Dustin just hit the nail on the head on how to improve the image of soccer in the US...

soccer is sitting on a gold mine & doesn't even know it...

promote the SOCCER MOMS!!!

Sports Illustrated Soccer Mom edition.:laugh:

[whitelightnin_23]

Sports Illustrated Soccer Mom edition.:laugh:

well you owe it to us...

That was your 5,000th post... :wow: :gig:

[legelegel]

Fan support really has no where to go until major colleges embraces it. I don't think the sport will develop here by trying to promote a pro league first. That has been tried again and again. Fans will follow college players to the pros just like they did with NFL and later the NBA. Remember what the galloping ghost did for the Bears' league and what the Lakers' center George Mikan did for indoor league.

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[legelegel]

If you are not big or tall, you don't normally play two sports in high school or college. Size does not matter in at least three sports: baseball, wrestling and soccer. Why not add another of the great equalizers in sport?

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