Huge Growth in US Soccer Popularity

Female Soccer Players in College

Soccer has become increasingly popular – for women – in America over the last 10 years in a trend that doesn’t seem to be abating. When it comes to women’s soccer in college, according to Andy Richards, head soccer coach for Bowling Green State University women’s team, the figure has nearly doubled. The opposite has been the case for men.  This may have something to do with the fact that funding for the sport is relatively inexpensive.

More Female Soccer Players Nationally

In addition to a larger amount of women playing soccer at college these days, the numbers are also climbing on a national level.  America’s national team came close to winning the 2011 FIFA World Cup that took place over the summer in Germany, but was defeated by the Japanese team in the championship game.  All games were screened by ESPN and could be viewed throughout the country, including summer campers who were encouraged to get into the spirit of enjoying the game and learning more about it.

World Cup Wonder

It seems that this year’s World Cup (along with the one that took place in 1999), was one of the most influential on soccer in America.  When female soccer players become celebrities following their performance on the field, this encourages young females to take up the sport too.  Some famous female soccer players in this realm include: Brandi Chastain, Mia Hamm and Hope Solo, who, according to Richards were “pushed into the spotlight and become role models, and ultimately become the face of the sport.”

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