The Trusted Source for Soccer Participation Insights in the United States
SFIA is the leading authority on U.S. soccer participation data, providing accurate, independent insights that help the sports and fitness industry understand who is playing soccer, how participation is changing, and what those trends mean for the future of the sport.
This page serves as a growing hub for soccer participation insights. SFIA will continue to add new analysis and data updates throughout the year.
Soccer Participation in the United States: 2024 Snapshot
SFIA’s latest research shows that soccer remains one of the most widely played team sports in the U.S., with participation spanning youth, high school, collegiate, and adult segments.
Topline U.S. soccer participation (ages 6+) insights from SFIA’s 2025 research include:
- Total U.S. soccer participation: 20.5 M
- Soccer (Outdoor): 14.5 M
- Soccer (Indoor): 6.0 M
These topline figures provide essential context for understanding how soccer participation is evolving nationwide, especially as soccer takes center stage when the World Cup comes to the United States in 2026.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Soccer Participation
Soccer participation in the U.S. takes multiple forms, with indoor and outdoor soccer each playing a distinct role in access, seasonality, and engagement.
Outdoor Soccer Participation
Outdoor soccer continues to serve as the primary entry point for youth players and organized competition, driven by school, club, and community programs.
Indoor Soccer Participation
Indoor soccer supports year-round play, reduced weather constraints, and growing adult and recreational participation, making it an increasingly important format within the broader soccer ecosystem.
Measuring Change in Soccer Participation
Soccer participation does not change overnight, but major global moments can accelerate awareness, trial, and re‑engagement.
As the U.S. hosts the world’s largest soccer events, SFIA is closely monitoring what is often referred to as the “World Cup effect”: how heightened visibility and cultural attention influence soccer participation across age groups and formats.
SFIA tracks soccer participation trends year over year to help the industry:
- Identify shifts tied to increased awareness and interest
- Understand where new or returning participants are entering the sport
- Distinguish short‑term spikes from sustained participation growth
By grounding this moment in data, SFIA helps the industry move beyond headlines to measurable outcomes.
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