Promote youth and teen soccer in you area

(I was going to post this in the "expanding our horizons" thread, but I didn't want to hijack that one).

For anyone looking to improve the sport here in America in the long run, I think there are some things that could have an impact).

- Go to some high school soccer games in your area. Most schools have teams now and the amount of people in the stands are growing some but still has a log way to go. It may never get to football level crowds anytime soon but every little bit helps. And bring your kids. I'd wager they would be more drawn to the sport watching teenagers from their area play than watching matches on tv from across the ocean (although that is good too).

- Anybody who is involved with or has connections with media organizations: promote these games and teams. A short article in the local paper or a blip on the local news station from time to time surely wouldn't hurt with up and coming kids when they are deciding what sport to concentrate on. Soccer provides some of the best action photos of any sport and having those in the paper really sells the game.

- Volunteer to work with the local rec teams. They can sometimes use coaches who actually have a knowledge of the game.

I've discovered that soccer is a sport that sells itself with the kids when they actually get out there and play. There is something about the open nature of the game without all the stopping and starting and waiting around that kids love. But they have to be provided with the initial motivation to try it out.

I think this kind of grass roots, organic love for the game is the best way to create the interest necessary to grow the sport here.