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USWNT Star Alex Morgan Was Left Disheartened After Witnessing Youth Soccer in the Country ‘Getting Worse’ in 2019

Published 11/11/2022, 3:45 PM EST

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Alex Morgan is a USWNT icon. Morgan became the youngest player to find a place in the US Women’s National Team in 2011. Besides winning two FIFA World Cup titles, Morgan was also part of the squad that won Olympic Gold in 2012. Currently, the world cup winner is playing for the San Diego Wave.

While speaking on a panel a few years ago, the decorated soccer player explained why the state youth football disheartened her.  

The state of youth soccer disheartened Alex Morgan.

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The USWNT legend visited New York City in 2019. She was part of the Sports Matter panel and was present for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation event. The foundation announced it would provide a million youth across the United States with access to sporting goods by 2024. “Unfortunately, the pay-to-play model, I believe, is getting worse in soccer than when I played competitive soccer,” said Alex Morgan.

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Morgan also highlighted that money should not be a barrier to discourage low-income households from letting their kids play soccer. Morgan said, “I’m not sure how to fix it but I think it needs to go back to looking at grassroots and seeing around the world soccer is not an expensive sport,”

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Morgan also highlighted that in many countries around the world, kids play soccer barefoot. She also said that a ball is often the only piece of equipment that one needs to buy. Once one can get their hands on a ball, almost anything nearby can become the goalpost. Morgan said people sometimes even use trash cans as goalposts.

According to reports, 35% of youth soccer players in the United States come from households earning over $100,000 annually. However, only 11% of youth athletes come from families earning $25,000 annually. What more disheartening is 35% of Americans showed interest in soccer, but participation is dwindling due to costs.

A USWNT legend and philanthropist

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Alex Morgan is a decorated soccer player. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner is passionate about helping kids and animals. Morgan supports a number of causes. Alex is a UNICEF ambassador and works with the Boys & Girls Club. Morgan also supports the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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The USWNT star also adopted veganism because she adores her dog, and eating meat didn’t sit right with Morgan.

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Watch this story – Megan Rapinoe vs. Alex Morgan, Which USWNT Star Is Wealthier

Alex Morgan is among the most accomplished women soccer players in the United States. While Morgan is passionate about promoting and growing the sport in her country, the future of youth soccer is still on shaky legs.

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Written by:

Sagnik Bagchi

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Sagnik Bagchi is a US Sports writer for EssentiallySports. He has completed his Bachelor's and Master's in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. He has experience working as a freelance MMA writer for Sportskeeda.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana