JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The global quest for the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy has officially begun, sparking enthusiasm among local soccer clubs and coaches who believe this event will boost the sport’s popularity in the area.
The United States launched its campaign with a match against Paraguay on Friday night, igniting excitement among fans nationwide. This fervor has reached the Tri-Cities, where numerous local athletes are attending the games.
“These kids weren’t around the last time the World Cup graced our country,” remarked David Strickland, the boys’ soccer head coach at Science Hill High School, in a conversation with News Channel 11. “Now, they have the chance to watch their idols compete on our home fields. Many high schoolers are traveling to see the matches, heading to Atlanta and other venues to witness the world’s top-tier soccer firsthand.”
On the field in Bristol, excitement is palpable as Bristol Rhythm AFC ranks as the second-best team in the National Premier Soccer League.
Diane Smith, the owner of Bristol Rhythm, expressed to News Channel 11 that the World Cup, combined with thrilling local soccer action, plays a significant role in fostering the sport’s growth.
“I think exposure is everything. Kids become passionate about sports when they can see the best athletes in the world doing incredible things. A lot of the young players in our area already know who Messi is, who Mbappé is, who Christian Pulisic is, and now they’ll get to watch the world’s best compete on the biggest stage right here in North America. That excitement trickles down into youth soccer participation, attendance at local matches, and overall interest in the sport. I truly believe we’re going to see more kids playing soccer because of this World Cup.
“Bristol Rhythm’s success this season is something we’re very proud of, but it’s also something we’ve worked incredibly hard to build. When we started Bristol Rhythm AFC, the vision was bigger than wins and losses. We wanted to give this region a team it could rally around and create something that brought people together from both Tennessee and Virginia. To be sitting at 5-0, with five clean sheets, and ranked No. 2 in the nation is exciting, and what makes it even better is seeing the community embrace the club. The success on the field at the national level is helping put Bristol on the soccer map, and that’s good for everyone.”
-Diane Smith, Bristol Rhythm owner
For the players Strickland coaches, this World Cup is about much more than a trophy.
“They get to see people that dedicate their lives into being the elite. And it’s a moment for them to absorb that kind of passion and that kind of skill, because they’re working on it all the time also, and they know how difficult it is to reach that level,” Strickland told News Channel 11.
The US’s next game will be against Australia on June 17.