I heard an interesting statistic this week.  While the United States won the most medals in the recently completed Olympics, its dominance in certain sports is likely to come to an end--at some point.  Here's the shocking statistic:  in the United States there are roughly 300 million people, but in China there are 300 million people playing basketball. 

Wow!

So how do we stack up in soccer.  In the short term, we know that soccer in the United States is definitely growing.  Out of the 300 million people in the United States, there are about 30 million people playing soccer--or roughly 10%.

China has not been as quick to grow its soccer.  In 2002, China qualified for the World Cup and many thought they were on their way up.  But in 2004, China's qualifying campaign was ended by Kuwait.  China has not developed enough young players.  And because of their communistic and isolationistic policies, few Chinese players get the kind of international competition they need to truly develop. 

Given their desire to impress in the world scene, it is hard to imagine that China will be left out of the World Cup soccer equation.  And with a population of over 1.3 billion people, they certainly can throw numbers at the problem in a way that the United States cannot.

The key for American soccer?  Keep those young players coming.  Expose them to healthy competition including international competition.  Part of the American advantage will be awareness of "all things soccer."  Certainly, part of that awareness will be fueled by its increasing presence on the web.  Soccer clubs and leagues must develop their online programs, including registration, with greater precision.  Let's face it:  if our kids can't get signed up, and aren't exposed to their options they can't develop.

--William High is a freelance writer.