Why Soccer Has Flourished In The US And How To Get In On The Action  

America is renowned for its love of sports. While American football and basketball are what we’re known for, we’re diversifying rapidly, and many of us love loads of different activities: both watching and participating.  

A sport that’s becoming increasingly popular throughout America is soccer. This fun ball game is popular around the world, but it’s taken longer to catch on in America.   

Now, the game is becoming renowned in our great country and becoming as popular as other team sports. Soccer, known as football in many other countries, has always been secondary to American football in the US. While the game has been played in America for decades, with our national team playing in the 1800s, it has risen to popularity faster over recent years.  

In fact, despite the national team’s defeat in last year’s World Cup, soccer is more popular than ever before in America. It has risen in popularity for many reasons, as we outline in this article.  

Easily Understood Rules 

Perhaps the best thing about soccer is that it’s easy to understand but not so simple that it’s boring to watch. The rules are straightforward, but the game can change on a dime. This combination makes the game fun but also easy to grasp for sports fans of all ages and abilities. As it’s such a fast-paced, innovative game, there are also lots of opportunities for you to make money if you understand the rules and can place strategic bets. If you’re thinking about sports betting online on soccer, then use platforms like BetUS. They offer great odds and guides to help you make the most of your knowledge of the straightforward but intriguing rules of soccer.  

Shorter Games With Set Times  

Soccer games are shorter than other sports, with each match split into two halves of 45 minutes each. Alongside the 90-minute gameplay, there’s a 15-minute half-time for the players to rest and regroup. If the game requires it there are 2 periods of extra time available, each lasting 15 minutes. While this is more time than most American football games, which last just 1 hour to play, the NFL’s rules and stoppage times mean that American football can take much longer to finish. Combined with the opening shows and the commercial breaks, watching an NFL game can take up the entire night! That means that if you become a soccer fan, you’ll be able to make plans and easily stick to them without missing out on any of the top sporting fixtures.  

Celebrity Players And Pundits 

Another reason why soccer is becoming more recognized in the US is that the players are becoming more established in America, and some British soccer stars are even moving to the states. Former British football star David Beckham has been a well-known name in the states for many years, but other players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, have become renowned over the years. Also, some current and former US soccer players, such as Landon Donovan and Cobi Jones, have become famous in America and helped to drive further representation of the sport. Young players are using social media platforms such as TikTok to raise awareness of new soccer fixtures and get younger sports fans interested in the game.  

Popular With Both Genders And All Ages 

Unlike some other sports, soccer is accessible for men and women, with leagues for both genders so that everyone can play. It’s also great for younger or older players, so individuals of all ages and abilities can enjoy playing soccer. The game is great for cardio and endurance but isn’t too hard on the joints. Men and women play at similar levels, and the game isn’t adapted for the opposite gender, making this the perfect game for fans who want to see both sexes play. Women are just as likely to be fans as they are players, thanks to the intriguing rules and deep passion that soccer fans enjoy.  

Safer For Players  

For those who want to play as well as watch, the good thing is that soccer is relatively safe to play, especially when compared to its American counterpart. While soccer is dangerous to an extent, it’s less so than many other contact sports, which is why soccer players wear much less safety gear than American footballers. Playing soccer is safer than many sports and more accessible financially, as there’s very little specialist kit involved. Aside from soccer boots and gloves for the goalkeeper, you don’t need much gear to play soccer, unlike some sports like golf or tennis. That means that if you’re active and want to play the game you love watching, there are far fewer barriers to entry for soccer fans.  

Every soccer fan is different, but these are some of the most common reasons why more and more Americans enjoy soccer. If you’re looking for a new sport to immerse yourself in, then these advantages and others could help you to become a lifelong soccer fan.