Man Fears World Cup Could Make Son Interested In Soccer

Written by Andy | 07 June 2010

People all over the world are buzzing with excitement as the 2010 World Cup draws near. Television broadcasts and around the clock coverage of one of the world's most popular sporting events could heighten interest in soccer in the United States, a potential result dreaded by George Lenton of Moline, Illinois, particularly for his young son.

"What happens if 7-year-old Tyrell sees a highlight shown over and over on ESPN?" asked a worried Lenton. "You know kids try to emulate what they see on TV. What if he asks me a question about soccer? Does that mean I have to take an interest in it? Oh man, I think I'm gonna be sick."

If his son does show an interest in the game, Lenton is hopeful he'll grow out of it like he does most other things.

"He wanted to be a cheerleader for awhile, after his older sister won a trophy in a cheerleading competition. Thank goodness he got tired of that after only a week or two. Not that being a male cheerleader is a bad thing, but, um.... you know what I mean."

Lenton thought his son had already forgotten about soccer for a brief moment when little Tyrell said he wanted to play 'football', only to discover his son was using some soccer slang he had picked up, 'probably from some British hooligan at school,' suspected Lenton.

Around the Web:
World Cup 101: A primer (San Jose Mercury News)
World Cup Wind-up (The 24th Minute)
World Cup Preview: Marquee match-ups and predictions (Eye Weekly)