Local soccer clubs have an opportunity to turn a boost of interest into more sustained engagement.
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The Canada-Morocco match recently prompted a mini geography lesson in Jeff Hodgson’s home.
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“Canada is playing Morocco. Where is Morocco?” he recalled his eight-year-old daughter asking ahead of Saturday’s game.
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“She’s fascinated with the global connection,” said Hodgson, who is a high school phys-ed teacher, soccer player and board member with South Delta United Soccer Club.
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“I’m seeing this World Cup through her eyes, and it’s almost impossible not to feel the love for the game and the passion for country.”
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Hodgson believes the “connection to the world of soccer” that comes with hosting the World Cup will leave a lasting impression, not only on his children, but on a generation of young soccer players across Metro Vancouver. In addition to increased enthusiasm for the beautiful game, local soccer clubs are expecting to see a bump in enrolment this fall, as well as increased opportunities for players at all levels.
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“I think it’ll give people belief that they can achieve their dreams, because they’re experiencing this vicariously,” said Jeff Clarke, sporting director and coach with Surrey United Soccer Club.
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He said local teams have an opportunity to “parlay” the sudden increase in interest that comes with the World Cup into more sustained engagement.
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“You think about: in Europe, out of the top 10 athletes, eight go to football, one goes to basketball, one goes to volleyball,” he said. “In North America, you’re competing with American football, you’re competing with hockey especially in Canada, you’re competing with baseball and lacrosse in summer. Hopefully soccer starts to compete for those top athletes even more now, and we can keep them in the system longer.”
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Clarke said B.C. already has a strong soccer program.
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“You can provide more access, provide more member education. In the end, you need to just keep doing what you’re doing,” he said.
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Chris Laxton, head coach of the Douglas College Royals women’s team, said it’s common to see registration in soccer programs increase with large events, but he agrees “it’s our job to hold onto them.”
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Laxton said the World Cup, as well as Canada’s three MLS teams, can show youth what it looks like to compete at the international level.
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“I think in the past, it may not have been clear what the next step is to get there, but I think players can see that pathway now,” he said.
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Jesse Symons, head coach with the University of B.C. women’s soccer team, said soccer is still “in its infancy” in Canada compared to other parts of the world, but the atmosphere around the World Cup is likely to inspire kids to continue to watch and play soccer long after the tournament is over.
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Symons called hosting a World Cup a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” His own kids have been glued to the TV during matches.
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“They’ve been taking it all in,” he said. “We’re living the World Cup.”
