I'm gonna have to disagree on the last point.
by NDMike2001 (2020-10-06 14:03:24)

In reply to: Indiana Fire is indeed impressive  posted by irishlawyer

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The numbers in youth soccer had actually been in decline over the last few years until last year when levels finally increased a bit but did not reach the level of where they were several years ago. Despite the massive success and popularity of the USWNT that hasn't seemed to translate into in increase in numbers for the girls. They have been declining as well. I do think the better TV coverage (and thus increase in popularity) will help, but we're still a ways away from any kind of tipping point.

And as for pay to play, the huge obstacle still exists insofar as youth recreational soccer is relatively cheap and easy to access. Club soccer is not. Talented kids are more or less discouraged from playing school soccer in favor of club soccer. Whereas the talented kids can play the mainstream sports at their schools for free.

IMO, until clubs see schools as part of the overall development of players at the youth level, we are still many years away from the kind of numbers needed to hit the kind of tipping point you reference.



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