The Perception of Soccer in the United States: More Than a Girls Sport

Introduction

The notion that football/soccer is a sport for girls in the United States is a myth. While it's true that soccer's prominence on the American sports scene has been historically linked with women's teams, particularly the USWNT, this does not necessarily mean that soccer is perceived as a gender-specific sport. This article delves into the reality of soccer's perception in the United States, debunking misconceptions and highlighting the deep-seated passion for the sport.

Myth 1: Soccer is a Girls' Sport in the US

One common misconception is that many Americans think soccer is a sport primarily for girls. This view likely stems from the success of women's soccer, particularly the US Women's National Team (USWNT), which has gained international attention. The USWNT's championship victories at the FIFA Women's World Cup have brought the sport to the forefront of public consciousness and have led many to believe that soccer is a women's sport par excellence.

However, it would be reductive and inaccurate to conclude that soccer is solely a girls' sport. In reality, the sport enjoys a significant following among both genders. Many male fans in the United States closely follow the professional men's league, Major League Soccer (MLS), their favorite international leagues, and other professional teams. For instance, the Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders FC, both men's teams, have among the highest average attendance figures in professional soccer.

Moreover, it's important to recognize that the representation of soccer in cinema and popular culture does not reflect its true status. A film like "Bend It Like Beckham," from a British perspective and production, has greatly influenced public perception. Although the protagonists in the movie are female, this does not mean that the sport is inherently a girls' activity in the United States. The British, as an example, do not view soccer as a girls' sport, further discrediting this myth.

Myth 2: Decline in Male Soccer Fanbase

Another common belief is that the number of male soccer fans is declining. This is a misconception fueled by the challenge faced by women's soccer in terms of media exposure and financial success. Until recently, women's professional soccer leagues have struggled to garner the same attention and financial backing as men's leagues. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has put up valiant efforts to bridge this gap, but has not yet achieved the same level of support as other sports.

It's surprising to note that more Americans are watching men's soccer than ever before. While the NWSL continues to evolve, MLS and men's soccer overall maintain a loyal and growing fanbase. The success of teams like Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders in attracting large crowds is a testament to the enduring appeal of soccer among men.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soccer in the United States is not a girls' sport. While the USWNT has been highly successful and garnered a great deal of attention, soccer fans in the country are not limited to just women. The number of professional men's soccer leagues and the success of these teams, coupled with the ongoing efforts to support women's soccer, indicate that the sport enjoys broad support from both genders. It is imperative to challenge and dispel the myth that soccer is a girls' sport, fostering a more inclusive and accurate view of the sport's place in American culture.