American Futball

I wanted to focus on why soccer isn't as popular in America as it is overseas.  It's safe to say that soccer is a universal sport, but just a footnote in America.

Looking at the basics, there aren't many rules in soccer and the one's in place are easy to learn.  The sport emphasizes equality among players, highlights nonviolence, and have referees making sure these rules are enforced.  Overall, there are two teams each trying to score in the others goal.  On that note, soccer is simple to play.  Kids growing up in poverty can play barefoot with anything that resembles a ball.  If you can find a flat piece of land, soccer is free.


Overseas, soccer is a part of everyday life.  If there is a game, no matter what time, everything is dropped to get to the nearest television to support their team.  This is where tradition plays a major roll.  Fans feel what the players are feeling emotionally.  They grew up with their parents watching the game and it's something they will pass on to their children.


Religion also plays a major roll in what team you root for.  For example, the Celtic team represents the Catholic religion, so if you are not Catholic, you're simply not a fan.  The same idea applies to Barcelona and Real Madrid.  Both teams are from Spain, but represent different identities.  Real Madrid represents the royal family, while Barcelona represents Catalonia, one of the Kingdoms of Spain.



The last point I want to touch upon is when you look at other countries, soccer is the number 1 sport across the board.  In America, though, football, basketball, baseball and hockey all have a higher priority.  These are the sports that make up the culture and identity of America.  Not only do these sports take higher priority over soccer, but an even bigger factor is television.  Here in America, television revolves around commercials and advertisements, so when football, basketball, baseball and hockey are being televised, there are plenty of breaks in the game where commercials fill in the blanks.  Soccer, though, has one break at halftime, where revenue can be lost.

So for those of you out there reading this, leave me some feedback!  Let me know what you think about this topic whether you agree, disagree or have any other input!