SerpApi.Org
The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup is carrying over to soccer fields across Green Country.
More families are giving soccer a try
At Soccer City in Tulsa, summer camps are welcoming young players inspired by the world's biggest soccer tournament. During breaks between drills, campers named their favorite teams they followed throughout the competition.
"I liked the U.S. and then Argentina," one camper said.
Others said they cheered for Portugal and Spain.
For many families, watching the World Cup together became an introduction to the sport.
One parent said she enrolled her daughter to help her make friends and stay active.
"To get her involved in a team sport, get to socialize and get experience," she said. "It's awesome because it's also inside."
She said her daughter also watched World Cup matches at home and made the connection between the professionals on television and her own time on the field.
"We were like, ‘Hey, it's just like when you're at Soccer City and watch them play soccer,'" she said.
With the Women's World Cup approaching, she hopes her daughter will continue finding inspiration in the sport.
"I think that will be even more fun for her to watch and see the girls out there playing soccer," she said.
The World Cup's impact reaches beyond young players
One eight-year-old camper already has favorite teams and players. He rooted for the United States and Argentina during the tournament and said Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are the stars he looks up to.
Others are simply excited to improve.
"I want to try getting better at soccer," another camper said.
Kendall Quillman, who has played soccer since she was 4 years old and now works at Soccer City, said the tournament has helped introduce the game to a wider audience.
"Having firsthand experience of not only U.S. fans but other countries' fans and how engaging the sport is for all ages," Quillman said.
More beginners are joining the game
Quillman said Soccer City has noticed an increase in beginners of all ages.
"We have a lot of beginners interested in the sport," Quillman said. "Not just the kids but adults as well. Parents are getting their toddlers involved because maybe it's something they're interested in, and we have those programs for adults as well."
As the excitement from the World Cup continues, local soccer leaders hope many of those first-time players will stick with the sport.
