Tips, tricks, and winning plays for athletes and their families.
Whether it be a recreational adult kickball league, a professional baseball game, or simply a flag football game during a backyard barbecue, Americans have had a long love affair with sports, particularly youth and high school athletics.
Over 35 million children play organized sports in the United States each year, which equates to more than half of all boys (66%) and girls (52%). While classics such as basketball, baseball, and football have always been at the forefront of the youth and high school athletics scene, lacrosse has been named the fastest growing sport in America. Lacrosse participation has increased by a whopping 218.1% over the last 10 years.
But what about soccer?
It’s no secret that soccer draws hordes of passionate aficionados to arenas all over the world. From South America, to Europe, to Africa, and Asia, soccer is kind of a big deal. However, the zest that many foreign countries have for soccer seems to fall a little flat in the United States. After all, baseball is America’s “favorite” past time, right? Maybe. But surprisingly, soccer might be as well.
According to a 2007 FIFA study, America had more young soccer players — 24.5 million to be exact — than any of the countries that were considered contenders for the 2014 World Cup. Furthermore, soccer is also considered the most popular youth sport in the U.S., second only to basketball and yet still ahead of baseball and football. For example, the term “soccer mom” alone denotes soccer’s popularity and place in American culture.
As such, soccer gifts are an excellent way to keep fanning the flame that is the growing popularity of youth soccer in America. From classic, fan favorites such as soccer wear and soccer water bottles, to unique soccer gifts such as soccer Christmas ornaments, custom gifts are an excellent way to build anticipation and excitement both on and off the playing field. Not only are custom gifts great sports gifts, but they’re the perfect way to create a sense of unity between young athletes and their teammates, as well as their fans.