2008 Woodie Awards
From England to America
The differences, diversity and distinguishing qualities of "football" between Great Britain and the United States
Hugh Barry
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Sports
Originally published: 9/27/07 at 9:54 PM EST
Last update: 9/27/07 at 9:53 PM EST
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"Back home, no one counts assists and a goal is just a goal," Taylor said.
Before most games in the U.S. the national anthem is sung or played, and the starting lineups are announced.
None of this is done in England. The teams run out onto the fields and do what they have to do to prepare for the start of the game.
Also, if you ever decide to go to England to play or watch soccer, don't expect to find any fields made of turf.
Real grass and dirt is the only thing used across the Atlantic in England, Taylor said.
"I don't like the turf too much, but it is much better for weather," he said. "Fields in England get to be a mess during the rain."
It seems soccer, or maybe we should say football, is obviously much bigger in England then here in the states. However, the sport is growing much more rapidly then many think. Baseball was always known as "The American Pastime" and many feel American football will soon get that reputation.
Soccer is growing more and more by the day. Major League Soccer in the U.S. was founded in 1994 and today has 13 professional teams, 12 in the U.S. and one in Toronto. Players from other countries are beginning to come here to play professionally as well. One of the big names that everyone knows is English superstar David Beckham, who has been playing the MLS season with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Soccer has been played in the U.S. for many years now and is still fairly new with its professional league. However, there are many who feel over time, soccer will soon take over as the number one sport in America.
Just remember, it's much easier and cheaper to grab a ball and start kicking around with your foot then buying helmets, shoulder pads and baseball gloves.
Before most games in the U.S. the national anthem is sung or played, and the starting lineups are announced.
None of this is done in England. The teams run out onto the fields and do what they have to do to prepare for the start of the game.
Also, if you ever decide to go to England to play or watch soccer, don't expect to find any fields made of turf.
Real grass and dirt is the only thing used across the Atlantic in England, Taylor said.
"I don't like the turf too much, but it is much better for weather," he said. "Fields in England get to be a mess during the rain."
It seems soccer, or maybe we should say football, is obviously much bigger in England then here in the states. However, the sport is growing much more rapidly then many think. Baseball was always known as "The American Pastime" and many feel American football will soon get that reputation.
Soccer is growing more and more by the day. Major League Soccer in the U.S. was founded in 1994 and today has 13 professional teams, 12 in the U.S. and one in Toronto. Players from other countries are beginning to come here to play professionally as well. One of the big names that everyone knows is English superstar David Beckham, who has been playing the MLS season with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Soccer has been played in the U.S. for many years now and is still fairly new with its professional league. However, there are many who feel over time, soccer will soon take over as the number one sport in America.
Just remember, it's much easier and cheaper to grab a ball and start kicking around with your foot then buying helmets, shoulder pads and baseball gloves.
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