David Beckham, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi. These are the names of some of the legends who have made the United States their home. "Football" around the world but soccer in the United States, the world's most popular sport has been increasing in popularity here in the States, with stadiums selling out for a chance to see Messi play for not just Miami but the Argentinian National Team as well. Copa America, held in the United States this past summer, showed America the passion fans have for the game, and American soccer fans have responded. Never before has there been this much interest in the sport, with our "golden generation" of players, led by Christian Pulisic, expected to do better in international tournaments than they have, but regardless of the disappointments, the love and commitment to the game is steadily increasing. More and more families are turning their kids to the world of soccer in the chance of becoming the next star, with just as many organizations pouring money into sporting infrastructure to foster the chance of being home to a player who makes it big.
It is no secret the South is home to some of the finest athletes in the country, dominating football and athletics in professional leagues and especially in college, but now many of those same institutions are turning towards soccer as well. Soccer in the South has always been big, but the new attention to the sport has increased the need for better programs, more fields, and all around more infrastructure for the sport. Caleb Wiley, an Atlanta United player straight from the program, just secured a move across the pond to English giants Chelsea FC. More states are looking to follow suit, and are looking for opportunities to guide the growth of players who have dreams of playing in Europe or want to make Major League Soccer (MLS) just as competitive as the leagues in the rest of the world. However, these budding stars need somewhere to play, and Mobile, Alabama want to build fields to promote the world's game.
Mobile County in Alabama is looking for vendors who are able to build four permanent fields and a parking area that their residents would be happy to play on. In addition to the long term benefits of growing the sport, the construction of the fields give more space for communities to gather, existing teams to play, and therefore more places for the kids to get active and outside, truly making it a win for everyone. If interested, click here to learn more. The bid closes August 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM.