By 2030, how many Disboarders do you believe will have become casual soccer fans due to Buzz Rules soccer threads?

[Buzz Rules]

And team Canada. But their nation crosses borders.

Native Americans and First Nations are two different people.

 

[prairie_girl]

It's not about others being as enthusiastic about the sport as I am. It was more of the thought that I wonder if those who never gave the sport a real chance recently ever decided to because of my threads. I feel that because it is the world's game, positive changes within the world can happen through the sport itself. But that only becomes more realistic when more people from the world's most populated and richest countries start to embrace the sport with participation and following the sport (with coherent understanding of the game) in some form watching their local club or national team. Soccer has started global movements, created peaceful moments in wartime, and has created the most opportunities for humans of all backgrounds than any other sport in history. Soccer fans in countries that don't embrace the sport often feel like oddballs when we talk about the sport to others or were often made fun of for liking the sport in general. Now that is starting to change at a slow pace. I'm not trying to force soccer onto anyone, I just wish that the Disboards would know the basics of the professional sport before the major events come to the USA/Canada (2024,2025,2026,2027, and 2028). National teams bring the world together and we could use a lot more of that.

I really was just going to quietly read this thread and not comment..you know my feelings already LOL

This comment, though, really makes it seem like you are putting shiny paint on poop (or whatever the saying is) Isn’t FIFA one of, if not the most corrupt governing bodies in the world? I don’t know the history, nor do I want to, but if you asked 100 people on the street what they know of FIFA, I’m willing to bet the majority will say corruption. Haven’t they been found guilty of either paying or receiving bribes?

 

[Buzz Rules]

I really was just going to quietly read this thread and not comment..you know my feelings already LOL

This comment, though, really makes it seem like you are putting shiny paint on poop (or whatever the saying is) Isn’t FIFA one of, if not the most corrupt governing bodies in the world? I don’t know the history, nor do I want to, but if you asked 100 people on the street what they know of FIFA, I’m willing to bet the majority will say corruption. Haven’t they been found guilty of either paying or receiving bribes?

The sports influence is what I'm referring to not the corrupt organization that controls it's events. Most would say a video game before a governing body btw.

 

[Buzz Rules]

FIFA didn't invent the sport, humans in ancient times did. The British modernized it in the 1800's. FIFA didn't exist until the early 1900's. Native Americans and colonists played a form of it in the 18th century.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Example of its ability to create a peaceful environment even in war:

 

[Allison]

0

 

[prairie_girl]

The sports influence is what I'm referring to not the corrupt organization that controls it's events. Most would say a video game before a governing body btw.

You can choose not talk about it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

FIFA didn't invent the sport, humans in ancient times did. The British modernized it in the 1800's. FIFA didn't exist until the early 1900's. Native Americans and colonists played a form of it in the 18th century.

That’s a cool history, but again, FIFA is all over it currently,

I’m not picking on football (soccer) because EVERY sports governing heads have major issues. The NHL for example had a major scandal a few years ago when it was revealed that the Chicago Blackhawks had covered up the abuse of a player. Many, many high profile people chose to immediately resign when the news broke.

There was one GM who was in the room for a conversation when the abuse was revealed. He didn’t follow up after the allegations were made known to him. He spoke to the Commissioner (Gary Bettman gets an automatic boo for being a slimy lawyer) with the owner of the team, and it was decided that this ONE singular GM did not have to resign,

The whole story was awful, and lots of people were very upset that the GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was not made to resign. I thought he should have.

Kevin Cheveldayoff is the current GM of the Winnipeg Jets (my team). The city, from what I can see, has many people who think he should resign, and there are many people who say he didn’t know and that he should stay.


This is just about one incident. I could go on and on…and I haven’t even touched the NFL or the NBA.

 

[amcnj]

My current personal trajectory regarded sports is a continuing gradual decline. I definitely watch less of any of them than I used to. But maybe that will change as I continue to age and most likely get more sedentary. I am not sure if at that time soccer will be among the ones I pick up. Overall I am not someone who is influenced by “influencers”.

 

[tony67]

Sorry to say I don't think you will change very many at all - but I appreciate your efforts.
I read them but usually don't comment on them.

Personally until the US Men's National team wins the world cup I don't see it changing all that much and I still don't see us doing that any time soon.

Just to share some of my background - just to know where I am coming from - if they lost me what hope do they have?

I was a MLS season ticket holder from the start for over 10 years with 6 seats in the front row of the 20 yard line. I tried to introduce soccer to so many people but it was more about the drinking before hand in the parking lot.
Also some of the supporter groups were very snobby to be honest and were not interested in bringing in new folks to the fold.

I went to the first several MLS Cups. I have a VERY low number on my Sams Army membership card - I hear they are no more.
I went to France 98 - still annoyed that Arena kept all the same old people who were past their prime IMO - we had no chance.
Went to Germany 2006 and of course US 94 as well. Wanted to go to Japan 2002 but it was too far and expensive at the time.
Also was at the Womens World cup in the US and many other womens (and mens) national team games - because they always gave us free tickets to the womens nation team to try to boost attendance with double headers with the team. Sorry to say it just lead to more time to drink in the parking lot.

I have several MLS team game worn autographed Jerseys from various charity events the teams ran.
I have an Irish National team Goalkeeper Jersey signed by all the DC United Goal keepers from the first MLS cup (Alan Kelly was the coach it was his game worn jersey and he signed it as well of course).
Got it at an event that weekend with the screaming eagles.

I tormented Tony Meola many times with J-E-T-S chants - he really hated that and it without a doubt got into his head - but it was deserved and its part of the fun - he did take it too personally though.

Now I am passively interested in US Soccer and MLS - really only watch the US National team in the World Cup - don't follow my MLS team at all any more.
Was sad to hear Brian O'Donovan passed - we argued quite a bit via email about the team but he was a great guy.
Still who builds a team around Alexi Lalas - a defender - and then brings in his brother as well.
Frank Stapleton had his hands tied from the start - I feel it took a long time for the Revolution to recover from all of that.
They also spent too much time and money trying to attract Portuguese fans and Italian Fans who really only came out for Portuguese or Italian players and did not come out for the Revolution for the most part.

I was very disappointed when they brough over Posh Spices husband and the league and it became all about him.
Half the people at every match (locals) were there to cheer every time he touched the ball.
Going to a home game and having it be all about the LA Galaxy got old quickly.

More and more youth are playing soccer, but I don't think its changing things all that much - maybe I am wrong - but when I go into a bar its all baseball, hockey, college football or NFL - not MLS - maybe Premier League in some Irish bars. MLS is only on if there is nothing else.

Anyway if you enjoy it keep it up - people do at least passive review them.