Soccer is somewhat popular here in America among kids 8 and younger. That is the perception of it here really, that its for kids. Parents see it as a wholesome safe exercise. My 12 year old son wouldn't be caught dead playing it as it is perceived as a kids game. I hear lots of Europeans stating that its "catching on" because they over hear kids talking about it or what not but thats just not the case. Soccer does indeed take a lot of athletic abilty and team work to play but most Americans see it as a very boring sport. I'd rather see people stand around for 30-40 seconds making their play then coming out and giving 100 percent of everything they have in a magnificient display of power, speed and skill.