The World Cup is underway, and it's an exciting time for sports fans.  I'm blown away by the athleticism and skill level of athletes who are competing.  Hours upon hours of practice and preparation have gone into each athlete's development--helping them to be a part of the world's largest athletic stage.
 
I can't help but wonder whether the United States can be more competitive and more athletic, in terms of soccer.   Why don't we have comparable numbers of youth, playing soccer? Clearly, soccer is not the most popular sport in this country--especially alongside football, basketball and baseball.  Looking at the numbers, perhaps gives us an idea as to why. 
 
Most other countries do not play (American) football, so their athletes do not have that option.  In the US, about 3 million athletes participate in high school or lower level football, every year.  
 
Now let's look at the financials.  The highest paid soccer player in the US, earns $6.6 million dollars a year.  The top earning Major League Baseball players, see about $20+ million a year. Top NBA stars make over $30 million, and the top NFL players make over $20 million a year, according to Forbes.  With this major difference in pay, in addition to television and endorsement exposure, our best male athletes will likely play sports other than soccer.
 
When I am in Brasil, I cannot find a park or beach, where kids are not playing soccer.  It's also interesting to note that there are no referees, coaches or parents.  It reminds me of pick-up basketball and football games from my childhood.  Children negotiate, keep score and play their hearts out, without any adult organization needed.  When kids grow up with this kind of sports culture (around any game), it becomes something that they truly love.  
 
In many other countries, soccer seems to part of the culture.  I would liken it to football here in the United States, but on a greater scale.  There is something very unique and special in the way that soccer can unite a country.
 
May your team play hard and well--and may the best team win!  
  
Sincerely,
 
Donny Mateaki & the DM Athletics Team

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