Futbolito a sold-out success
Overall, the program, a grassroots effort to get soccer fans and their families to be more involved in Major League Soccer, saw a 58 percent increase in participation in 2004, with each of 12 events averaging 100 teams. The events took place throughout the season in every MLS market except New England and in three non-MLS markets: Miami, Houston and San Antonio.
Several of the events featured appearances by current and former MLS stars, including Carlos Valderrama (the official Futbolito spokesman), Marco Etcheverry and Mauricio Cienfuegos.
"Saturday's sellout caps a successful second season of Futbolito and gives us even more momentum as we look to further grow and develop the program next year with our corporate partners," said David Wright, MLS Director of Fan Development. "Futbolito has resonated with the masses, particularly our Hispanic fans, because it is one of the few events in America where thousands of soccer fans can compete and enjoy a day of fun for the entire family."
While fun may have been one motivating factor for the teams that competed, the prize money awarded may have played a part as well. In each market, the winners of the Premier Division -- the most competitive division -- took home $2,000, while the runners-up pocketed $1,000.
The program, which started early in the 2003 MLS season and is sponsored by Panasonic and RadioShack, has quickly become a popular property for the league. Nearly 90 percent of participants rated their experience as "excellent" or "very good" when surveyed.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
