Systematic racism will be the downfall of US Soccer. (and YES I am including the Women’s National Team too)
In contrast to other countries, soccer in the United States caters itself towards white, suburban, upper-middle class kids. Premier clubs and other expenses have single-handedly priced out those in lower-income neighborhoods. Can you imagine how many Messis or Martas we lose annually, just because of the pay-to-play structure of youth soccer? Immigrant families, who come to the United States bearing an avid love for the game, are unable to pursue their dreams due to the outrageous costs. (X)
American soccer players come from places where incomes, education and employment rankings, are whiter than the US average, while the basketball and football players came from places that ranked lower than average on those same indicators. (X)
In regards to the United States Women’s National Team…the success of our team is indisputable. But ask yourself this, how much longer do you think we’ll be able to maintain our dominance if we continue to ignore lower- income, or, dare-I-say, minority athletes? Just take a look at USMNT for the answer on that one.
