Soccer

Why do Americans call it soccer instead of football? Blame it on the British. In the 1800’s, the British started playing a number of versions of football and came up with names to differentiate them, namely ‘rugby football’ and ‘association football’. Americans went on to reinvent these two sports, one of which became American football, while ‘association football’ adopted the name of soccer.

Soccer is played all over the country, so there are ample opportunities to find a team to suit your skills and level, from top-level high school teams to Division 1, 2, or 3 collegiate teams. Soccer is mainly a fall sport and the high school/college competition season is short and intense, beginning in late August and lasting until the end of November.

Soccer at high school level can be played via school teams or local clubs. Both will work to develop skills to help get athletes recognized by college and university coaches.

High school offers two levels – Junior Varsity and Varsity. JV teams are mainly made up of younger players; talented JV players are often backup for Varsity players.

Varsity teams will be made up of the oldest and most talented payers. Varsity teams will play in national competitions.

College-level soccer can be played at 2-year junior colleges and 4-year colleges and universities. JuCo compete in their own conferences, while 4-year institutions will offer NCAA Division 1, 2 and 3 competition for both men and women.