National Soccer Hall of Fame showcases America’s soccer history
The United States has a rich history with soccer, and the National Soccer Hall of Fame preserves that story.
In 1950, the U.S. team beat England in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. That same year, the Soccer Hall of Fame got its start in the United States.
In 1964, American youth soccer started with nine teams and 125 players. By 2008, youth soccer became the number one youth sport in America.
In 1994, the U.S. hosted the World Cup and set attendance records that remain today. Two years later, Major League Soccer launched with 10 teams. Thirty years later, there are 30 teams in the league.
A place to connect
Nancy Pierce, the experienced manager at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, said the museum is a place where people connect with the sport.
“I’m a lifetime soccer fan, player, coach,” Pierce said.
Pierce said she sees the connection every day when people walk through the front door.
The museum displays game-worn jerseys from legends signed by players like Pele, Messi and Mia Hamm. Trophies won by U.S. teams sit alongside items from the 1999 Women’s World Cup and artifacts dating back to almost the beginning of the game in the United States.
One of the most photographed items is Pele’s jersey from the Cosmos.
Interactive experiences
The Hall of Fame offers traditional artifacts and interactive exhibits where visitors can step into the game, try skills and design their own jersey.
“You also have these cool interactive exhibits. And your experience is unlike anyone else’s,” Pierce said.
Kenny Cooper, a former MLS player who now serves as a soccer ambassador for FC Dallas, used to play at the stadium where the Hall of Fame is located. The museum was built onto the south end of FC Dallas’ home field.
Cooper said his father played in the Soccer Bowl of 1979. He has seen the game from the field and now sees what it means beyond it.
“It gathers people. 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,” Cooper said.
Growth of the game
Cooper said the game has come far from the early days of youth soccer to millions of players today.
“The lights seem to never go off. And we have about 300 youth boys and girls clubs. Thousands of players participating and playing for F.C. Dallas. And so, the game has come so far,” Cooper said.
Cooper said the game can be played anywhere, by anyone, and that accessibility helps keep the game moving forward.
Pierce said visitors connect with something in the game or a memory they have, or they are just beginning their soccer journey.
The FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off in June with 104 matches scheduled.
