National Soccer Hall of Fame showcases America’s growing connection to the game
Frisco facility highlights soccer’s evolution from 125 youth players in 1964 to the nation’s top youth sport
FRISCO, Texas (Gray News) — The National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco offers visitors a look at the sport’s history in the United States, from early milestones to modern growth.
The U.S. team beat England in 1950 in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. American youth soccer started in 1964 with nine teams and 125 players. The U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994 and set attendance records that remain today.
Major League Soccer launched in the U.S. in 1996 with 10 teams. Thirty years later, there are 30 teams in the league. Youth soccer became the number one youth sport in America in 2008.
Hall of Fame connects visitors to soccer history
The Soccer Hall of Fame got its start in the U.S. in 1950.
Nancy Pierce, experienced manager at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, said the facility is a place where people connect to the sport.
“I’m a lifetime soccer fan, player, coach,” Pierce said. “I see it every day when people walk through the front door.”
The hall features game-worn jerseys from players including Pele, Messi and Mia Hamm. Trophies won by U.S. teams are on display, including items from the 1999 Women’s World Cup and artifacts dating to the early days of the game in the U.S.
One of the most photographed items is Pele’s jersey from the Cosmos.
“You’ll get a lot of the traditional artifacts, but you also have these cool interactive exhibits,” Pierce said. “Your experience is unlike anyone else’s.”
Visitors can step into the game, try skills and design their own jersey.
Former player sees game’s impact beyond the field
Kenny Cooper, a former MLS player who now serves as a soccer ambassador for F.C. Dallas, played at the stadium before the Hall of Fame was built onto the south end of the home field.
“It gathers people,” Cooper said. “There’s so many friendships, relationships, memories that can be made out on the soccer field. And that’s really the great treasure of soccer.”
The facility is located at F.C. Dallas’ home field, where about 300 youth boys and girls clubs operate with thousands of players participating.
“They connect with something in the game, or it’s a memory that they have and they’re just beginning their soccer journey,” Pierce said.
The FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off in June with 104 matches scheduled. The tournament will play out in 11 U.S. cities.
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