5 Reasons that Soccer May Never Be Big in the United States

Soccer has been becoming increasingly more and more visible in the United States in recent years. Even though popularity has increased in some circles (immigrants, youth leagues, etc.), the sport still doesn't provide a positive forecast concerning becoming a major American form of entertainment. Why won't soccer ever be big in the United States? Here are some of my ideas.

1. Seen as a child's sport - Soccer is commonly associated with children and youth and rec. leagues. The term "soccer mom," is evidence of this. Lots of children play soccer, but it doesn't seem to transfer into adult years. Soccer is used to market sports drinks, toys, clothes, and more to children. Advertisers don't use soccer as a tool to attract adults nearly as much.

2. Too international - Soccer originated in England, and it quickly gained popularity in many countries throughout Europe, South America, and the rest of the world. America did not jump on the bandwagon as quickly. As a result, soccer lost the opportunity to really become an American pastime. It doesn't have the "American" feel that baseball, football, and basketball have. It isn't a sport that Americans can feel patriotic toward. When you think of an all-American athlete, you don't think of soccer.

3. Conflicts with Baseball and Football Season - Baseball and Football may be the top two "American" sports. They have a stronghold in the hearts of United State's sports enthusiasts. Unfortunately, soccer season overlaps with the end of baseball season and the beginning of football season. America is already too invested and drawn in to these other two sports to really care about or even notice soccer.

4. Boring - Though, people who play soccer may argue otherwise, the sport is simply downright boring to watch for a lot of people. Soccer matches can go on and on without anyone ever scoring. There usually isn't much man-to-man contact. Compared to football and basketball (two beloved American sports) soccer doesn't have much to offer observers at all. You have to pay attention to the whole game though. You can't walk away to make a phone call or anything else, because those few minutes that you miss may be the only time that any real action takes place in the whole match.

5. No Superstars to Aspire to - America doesn't really have that many stand out soccer players to aspire to. In basketball we have our Michael Jordans and Shaquille O'Neals. In football we have our Brett Farves and Joe Montanas. In baseball we have our Babe Ruths and Jackie Robinsons. In soccer we have... Don't get me wrong. The United States does have some talented players, but not too many people that everyone rallies around and feels represented by.

Soccer is continuing to gain popularity, but the interest levels are too spread out. Soccer may become relatively popular to certain demographics, but it will probably never be truly "Big," in the United States.