A survey of youth soccer parents from Soccer.com, the nation’s leading soccer-specialty retailer, finds 81 percent expect youth soccer to resume in their area by August 2020. Of those, 61 percent believe youth soccer will resume in their area by July 2020.

By September 2020, 93 percent believe youth soccer will resume in their area by September 2020

The nationwide survey found almost all parents surveyed, 94 percent, expect that it is somewhat to very likely that their children will continue playing soccer once youth soccer organizations and leagues resume play. Only 5 percent are somewhat to very unlikely to resume.

When play does return, 73 percent of respondents think it’s somewhat to very important for spectators to follow social distancing on the sidelines. Nearly half, 47 percent, expect spectators to wear masks.

The majority of youth players were found to be staying actively engaged in the sport while at home.

“As young soccer players and their parents adjust to the reality of necessary restrictions, it’s clear that their commitment to and passion for the sport remains strong. Players are finding ways to train at home and connect with their teams virtually,” said Brian Berklich, chief marketing officer at Soccer.com.

When parents were asked how their kids are staying in the game:

  • 81 percent responded that their kids are training at home;
  • 63 percent shared that their kids are connecting with their teammates digitally;
  • 29 percent reported that their kids are watching rebroadcasts of classic matches; and
  • 29 percent stated that their kids are playing soccer video games.

Greg Dale, Director of sports psychology at Duke University, says that staying connected with teammates is helpful for youth soccer players. “Young players need that connection with each other, and it’s important that they actually see each other virtually and interact,” added Dale, “If you feel a sense of community with others, you’re going to be more motivated.”

“As young soccer players and their parents adjust to the reality of necessary restrictions, it’s clear that their commitment to and passion for the sport remains strong. Players are finding ways to train at home and connect with their teams virtually,” said Brian Berklich, chief marketing officer at Soccer.com.

The Soccer.com survey was conducted via an online questionnaire from April 17, 2020, to April 22, 2020, with 1,437 U.S. youth soccer parents who have made a youth soccer purchase at Soccer.com.