OT: Soccer: Red vs Blue
motorhead
Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life
Heard an interesting conversation on ESPN regarding the growing popularity of soccer.
When you look at the ranking of the popularity of soccer it clearly breaks down along "red states" and "blue states".
The liberal blue states like soccer the most. Washington, California, DC, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Maryland
The conservative red states like soccer the least. Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota
I can't even begin to guess why. ESPN did not go further into discussion.
When you look at the ranking of the popularity of soccer it clearly breaks down along "red states" and "blue states".
The liberal blue states like soccer the most. Washington, California, DC, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, New Jersey, Maryland
The conservative red states like soccer the least. Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota
I can't even begin to guess why. ESPN did not go further into discussion.
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21 comments
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footbal…
Seems like 'The Beautiful Game' is really gaining popularity over there.
Now one of the main reasons why soccer is exploding is this.... all you need is a ball and open space. Anyone can participate. It is a parents and schools/town rec programs dreams. You put lots of people on a field, cost is cheap, and many can participate and can have success. Then throw in the fear of concussions (which if you look up the stats.... soccer is there with football....but that is a different discussion). So people are pushing kids towards it at a young age. Because why spend $$$ on something that they might not like when they hit high school age. Look at the cost associated with Hockey, football, baseball!!! it is ridiculous what it costs for kids to play.
Anyways those are just a few of the reasons why soccer has exploded in the usa.
Easy "why". Often no "winners". Wimpy guys and non wimpy ladies. No need to really pay attention. The list is endless, if some wish to add to it.
It is increasingly popular among boys because you do not have to be a physical freak (6 foot 6 or 275 lbs. or 20/10 vision) to compete, even at high levels.
It is increasingly popular among girls because you do not have to be a physical freak AND they don't have to sacrifice their social standing. In fact, boys will tell you that girl soccer players are "hot"
I was shocked to read that the Japanese are the defending champs. Not very many hot ladies on the team. :(
I played soccer, track and basketball when I was in jr high. In highschool I did soccer and basketball although I was a benchwarmer in basketball.
The soccer guys for the most part were pretty damn nerdy and unatheletic until I got to high school and those guys were weeded out.
I can certainly see the liberal tones associated with soccer, say compared to football.
I do not like to watch soccer even though I used to play it. Now a sport for unathletic white boys is lacrosse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX1zIIMQ…
First few seconds.
The red states mentioned are mostly SEC football.
College football to them is like a religion.
I don't see soccer taking over in those states for a very, very long time.
Just starting out, though, say at age 6, NBD! Ball --$10. Cleats -- $29. Shinguards -- $10. No skill? Got two legs? Away we go!
I have to say, there is definite tension between the local HS Football guys and the HS Soccer Guys (stay off MY fucking field!) YOUR field??? That's probably why soccer might not be as popular in the south, yet. Nothing comparable on the girls side, though. In my area, between recreational and travel soccer, there are over 5000 boys and girls in leagues across ages 6 through 19. WAAAAAYYYY outnumbers baseball, softball and football combined!!
I don't watch it myself, but I do understand why its gaining popularity as some have said.
I agree about SEC football having a stronghold in the south.