And commenting on the mainstreaming of soccer here in the states

As someone who has spent a goodly portion of my non-at-work-time shuttling my son from one practice to another, traveling from one out of state weekend tourney and back, soccer is growing in grass roots land

High schools are now recruiting grade school “stars” with schollarship offers. This summer, my son (entering 11th grade) is playing on a college “showcase” team. 3-4 practices a week and 1-2 games a week, most attended by college coaches to scout and advise