The MLS is doing everything in their power in order to help grow the sport of soccer in the United States. They do everything from grassroots marketing to bringing in some of the World's most renowned soccer players. Their most recent big-time move consists of bringing Thierry Henry, one of the greatest French goal scorers in history over to the New York Red Bulls.
These guys are big time players. Any soccer fan knows David Beckham and Thierry Henry. Even if you're not a soccer fan, you know David Beckham. I can't say the same for Henry. This is following the same idea of the NASL, when Pele and other legends came to NY to play for the Cosmos. If history really repeats itself, then this formula should work!
I'm a passionate soccer fan and having the opportunity to see Thierry Henry or David Beckham play does interest me. I must admit that. I wasn't the type to consider going to an MLS game, but that may have changed considering I live so close to where the Red Bulls play. So this idea can absolutely work with already sold soccer fans. I know who Thierry Henry is, but do casual soccer fans?
There are many fans that love the game like I do and are itching to see Henry play. I'd have to imagine that a portion of them will want to see more as they'll be impressed. It is good soccer! Then there are the fans that think its retirement for these legends, which is pretty much the truth. But that doesn't mean they won't perform! These guys are competitors and I can't imagine they don't leave it all on the field.
Then there's the fan that would just like to go see a game if given the chance; the casual fan. These fans probably don't know too much about Thierry Henry! So is bringing in these big players going to help grow the sport for casual fans? I don't think so.
The problem with casual fans is that they're probably hardcore fans of the NBA, NFL or MLB. If they're going to spend money on attending a sports event, they'd probably rather spend it on something else.
Other countries don't really have to deal with this. In all of Europe, soccer comes first. England has cricket, Spain has basketball but nothing comes before soccer. Unfortunately, it's very hard for the MLS to compete with all these major leagues.
The MLS has been faced with many challenges and they've come very far since they've started. From the time they've started to know, there's been a major expansion and growth of the sport. The players have also improved. Soccer is the most popular sport played amongst kids, so I believe it starts there. Keeping their interest is crucial and by providing role models like Beckham, Landon Donovan and Henry can really help keep kids going.
These guys are big time players. Any soccer fan knows David Beckham and Thierry Henry. Even if you're not a soccer fan, you know David Beckham. I can't say the same for Henry. This is following the same idea of the NASL, when Pele and other legends came to NY to play for the Cosmos. If history really repeats itself, then this formula should work!
I'm a passionate soccer fan and having the opportunity to see Thierry Henry or David Beckham play does interest me. I must admit that. I wasn't the type to consider going to an MLS game, but that may have changed considering I live so close to where the Red Bulls play. So this idea can absolutely work with already sold soccer fans. I know who Thierry Henry is, but do casual soccer fans?
There are many fans that love the game like I do and are itching to see Henry play. I'd have to imagine that a portion of them will want to see more as they'll be impressed. It is good soccer! Then there are the fans that think its retirement for these legends, which is pretty much the truth. But that doesn't mean they won't perform! These guys are competitors and I can't imagine they don't leave it all on the field.
Then there's the fan that would just like to go see a game if given the chance; the casual fan. These fans probably don't know too much about Thierry Henry! So is bringing in these big players going to help grow the sport for casual fans? I don't think so.
The problem with casual fans is that they're probably hardcore fans of the NBA, NFL or MLB. If they're going to spend money on attending a sports event, they'd probably rather spend it on something else.
Other countries don't really have to deal with this. In all of Europe, soccer comes first. England has cricket, Spain has basketball but nothing comes before soccer. Unfortunately, it's very hard for the MLS to compete with all these major leagues.
The MLS has been faced with many challenges and they've come very far since they've started. From the time they've started to know, there's been a major expansion and growth of the sport. The players have also improved. Soccer is the most popular sport played amongst kids, so I believe it starts there. Keeping their interest is crucial and by providing role models like Beckham, Landon Donovan and Henry can really help keep kids going.
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