The Black Informant

(BLACK PR WIRE) Soccer continues to slowly and quietly grow in the African-American community. Until just a few years ago, in the U.S. in particular, the game of soccer remained popular in the Suburbs, mainly among Anglo, middle-class Americans; ergo the term “soccer moms”. Today, however, soccer (similar to basketball) is one of the biggest sports being played in U.S. neighborhoods, and (world-wide) by professional athletes.

While it’s not uncommon to walk on to a basketball court in urban and Black communities to join a pick up game; today, nor is it uncommon to join a soccer game already in progress. The difference has been that, in most cases, the “Black” men on the basketball court were typically African- American, and the “Black” men on the soccer field, were typically from around the world. African, Caribbean and many Blacks living in Europe (and around the world) prefer soccer, and have played it all of their lives. In fact, soccer far surpasses all American sports in terms of interest and support world-wide for any culture.

However, as children of immigrants’ become second generation Americans, enthusiasm seems to be growing more and more for the sport of soccer as a “mainstream” sport played by African, Caribbean and the African- American community. In fact, soccer is steadfastly being embraced by so many that highly structured youth clubs in the “suburban” communities are now starting to transport players from urban areas, and also provide “scholarships” for players who cannot afford fees.

The National Soccer Coaches Association has a Black Soccer Coaches committee, many of whom are first generation immigrants who now consider themselves “African-American”. The Black Coaches collectively agree that there is an increased interest in soccer among African-Americans. However, they also agree that there has been an increased interest throughout American Society as a whole. As a result, the Coaches lament that they are still attempting to make inroads into better professional positions in soccer. (more…)

Now we are talk’n!

Back in high school I was a league, state and national all-star in our soccer league. I could have extended my budding career in college, but decided to attend a school that did not offer a soccer program at the time (in those days, i was about making money instead of re-creating a “Different World”/“School Daze” experience. Our city just came out with the fall brochure for sports and recreation the other day and I saw men’s soccer. I’ve been tossing it around in my brain ever since. I’m thinking that if I do not play this season, i will at least coach my son’s team this fall. We’ll see.