National team visit highlights Tampa’s deep soccer roots and growing youth movement

As the United States prepares for next years World Cup in North America, the U.S. mens national team has continued its warm up schedule with exhibition matches across the country, including a stop in Tampa. The visit marks another chapter in the regions long history of support for the sport.

The Tampa Bay area has been home to professional soccer for decades, from the original Tampa Bay Rowdies franchise in the 1970s and 1980s to the modern-era Rowdies in the United Soccer League. The city has hosted numerous international friendlies and high level club exhibitions, drawing some of the largest soccer crowds in the Southeast. Earlier this year, more than 42,000 fans filled Raymond James Stadium to watch Lionel Messi and Inter Miami.

For young players in the community these games are more