MariamMajor League Soccer and the Urban Crowd
Soccer teams have struggled to maintain a solid following, enticing families to spend their evenings and weekends watch their favorite team. What has been found is that fans that are following teams are those they didn’t count on.
If you look at statistics and followings of sports like NASCAR, a similar pattern is seen. While there may be a greater following now, it began as soccer is in more urban areas from main cities and development. MLS had done well to introduce soccer to kids, but far too often soccer practices are used as baby sitters and weekend games are a place to network and are seen. This is reality in the suburban world.
Step across the road and the attitude changes, the kids give all they have at practice, plan for scholarships, they eat, sleep and breathe soccer, with the World Cup being bigger than the super bowl. What they have a problem with is explaining it to those who do not know much about the sport, other than its big overseas.
According to an article at ESPNsoccernet, MLS teams need to shift their focus for success and stop chasing the “Suburban Family Dollar.” Taking a look at more successful teams, you will find them in the city, among the people and easy to get to.
Sometimes starting small leads to a greater success in the end. MLS does have a great future, the interest is there and fans are waiting for their time to shine.
If you look at statistics and followings of sports like NASCAR, a similar pattern is seen. While there may be a greater following now, it began as soccer is in more urban areas from main cities and development. MLS had done well to introduce soccer to kids, but far too often soccer practices are used as baby sitters and weekend games are a place to network and are seen. This is reality in the suburban world.
Step across the road and the attitude changes, the kids give all they have at practice, plan for scholarships, they eat, sleep and breathe soccer, with the World Cup being bigger than the super bowl. What they have a problem with is explaining it to those who do not know much about the sport, other than its big overseas.
According to an article at ESPNsoccernet, MLS teams need to shift their focus for success and stop chasing the “Suburban Family Dollar.” Taking a look at more successful teams, you will find them in the city, among the people and easy to get to.
Sometimes starting small leads to a greater success in the end. MLS does have a great future, the interest is there and fans are waiting for their time to shine.
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AND *S* What's this WHITEHALL stuff??? Don't tell me you watch the Riverhounds too!
Now, as for the Riverhounds? Well, as I have discovered there are 2 Whitehall's in PA, and I am in the Eastern part. We have the PA Stoners, they were a major team in the late 70's/early 80's. Recently they have reformed and I look forward to having a team in the area again.