Don’t be shocked if you see neighborhood kids kicking around a soccer ball a little more over the coming weeks. The United States is in the middle of hosting the FIFA World Cup, a task it is sharing with Canada and Mexico this time after doing it solo in 1994.
The attention is extending beyond full stadiums. Tournament rights holder FOX is reporting record viewership numbers, including more than 18 million viewers who tuned in to watch the United States beat Paraguay 4-1.
Soccer has come a long way since Sturgeon Bay Soccer Club board member Jim Downey first donned cleats. The now-defunct North American Soccer League was in its fourth season when Downey was cutting his teeth as a goalkeeper. Today, the sport — no matter the level or location — is available everywhere at any time. Downey said this type of exposure is good for helping kids fall in love with the sport.
While the youth season is underway at a park near you, Downey said there is still time to look ahead to action this fall. Registration is open for the Sturgeon Bay Soccer Club, which is available to all students entering fifth through eighth grades in the Sturgeon Bay, St. John Bosco and Southern Door school districts, as well as homeschooled students.
The season runs from early August through mid-October and consists of regular training sessions, games and weekend tournaments.
The World Cup runs through July 19.
