The Rise Of Amateur Adult Athletes In A Society Of Pros

The amateur adult athlete doesn’t get paid to play. Ironically, most actually pay to play sports as adults. Quite simply, amateur adult athletes play for love of the sport and the camaraderie of a team.

The common thread that ties amateur and professional adult athletes together is sport. However, this article will highlight the unabashedly American tradition of playing sports as an adult and its contrast to the professional scene

The Birth Of The Amateur Athlete

The word “amateur” comes from a French derivation of the Latin word “amator”, which means lover.  When applied to sports, it refers to someone who participates in a sport because they love the game and not because they are being paid for their activity.

Although the idea of amateurism has been mistakenly attributed to the ancient Greeks, it is more likely a romanticized concept enhanced during the resurrection of the modern-day Olympics in 1896, where it was stipulated that only non-professionals could participate.

Money Changes Everything

In recent years, the Olympics have modified their amateurs-only stance to include professional athletes’ eligibility to compete as well.  In fact, in much of elite-level sports today in the United States, there is little about the athletic experience that has not been monetized.  

Although The Masters golf tournament still reserves a spot or two for a top amateur golfer, most other elite sports competitions are strictly among professionals.

Whether it’s record-breaking transfers, multi-million dollar contracts, or the advent of NIL deals at the collegiate level, today, little separation between elite sports and money remains. This thought begs the question: where does organized sport leave the amateur athlete, the ones playing for nothing more than kinship and glory— the ones who step onto the field night after night emboldened simply by the love of the game?  Is there room for the amateur athlete in today’s sporting world

Soccer Leads The Pack Of Amateur Adult Athletes

Few sports in the United States embrace their amateur roots as much as soccer. It would not be until the 1990s that the country saw the founding of an established professional league in the game. Despite that tenure, which continues to this day, professional soccer in the United States continues to be slower in achieving acceptance by the general population than other sports.

By comparison, amateur soccer, at both the youth and adult levels, has enjoyed meteoric growth throughout the country, exemplified by the hundreds of new amateur teams that continue to form every year.

Community & Heritage Run Deep For Amateur Athletes

When you look at America’s amateur soccer teams, there is a major unifying factor—community. Initially, American soccer gained popularity largely through the play of immigrant communities in the Northeast. This can still be seen today at the adult amateur level.

Look at any adult amateur league, and you’ll find teams such as NY Pancyprian-Freedoms and RWB Adria, names that proudly proclaim their cultural heritage.  This is in stark contrast to the increasingly international and mercenary façade of professional sport.

In today’s world, people feel like they see themselves less and less in their “local” professional teams. Yet amateur sport provides a true place close to home where someone can identify and feel like they belong.

The Goal Is Different For Amateur Athletes

Additionally, amateur athletes are the antithesis of the “hustle culture” that has become increasingly popular in many online spaces, such as TikTok and Instagram. This contemporary mentality advocates that everything should be done in the pursuit of growing followers and or creating a material benefit. In this culture, hobbies cannot simply be something one does for fun. Instead, they must be a source of revenue or growing connectedness.

“Work without a tangible benefit” is derided as not “maximizing your potential.”  However, the goal of amateur athletics is purely individualized. The amateur athlete plays for other reasons, such as fitness or discipline, or simply because he or she enjoys participating as part of a team effort. Amateurs play because they love the sport and their sporting community.

Another advantage adult amateur sports offers is that it promotes diversity in skills and openness to all. In the sport of soccer, there are numerous websites, like Adults Play Sports, where one can find a team nearby, no matter what skill level one has.

Although it is true that there are elite amateur teams and leagues that are so skilled that they can–and do– compete against professional teams, amateur soccer teams are plentiful. Most open the door to all, including beginners and those whose rusty college skills need awakening.

What motivates an amateur player, if not money? The beauty of amateurism is that every amateur athlete gets to decide what they want to get out of participation.

For some adult athletes, it’s simply a way to get out of the house for a couple of hours a week. For others, there is a defined fitness goal they are striving toward. For some, it is simply being part of their team’s community. For others, they eye participation as a means of enhancing their skills, leading to upward progression in the sport.  Everyone gets to set their own goals.

One can strive to be the best, but for most, the expectation is to be the best version of oneself and to have fun.

Love Of The Game: From Pro To Amateur Adult Athlete

The love of the game is exemplified by a story about soccer star Sacha Kljestan, who had a storied career in professional soccer.

One day, after retiring from professional soccer, Sacha was in his gym working out when he had a chance meeting with someone who suggested that he join their amateur team. Kljestan joined the Des Moines Menace team as an amateur for their US Open Cup first-round match, where he contributed to their upset win.

Sacha said that it was his love of the game that brought him back—spoken like a true amateur.

The United States Adult Soccer Association Bridges The Gap For Adult Soccer Players

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) estimates that just 0.9 percent of collegiate athletes go on to compete professionally, which leaves the door wide open to those who would like to continue to play sports as adults.  In amateur soccer, the only barrier to entry is the ability to find a place to play.

Although there are a number of valuable apps that help amateurs find nearby teams, the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) is America’s largest amateur organization, with over 2000 men’s and women’s member teams throughout the U.S., encompassing all levels.  Visiting their website can help connect players to nearby compatible teams.

Amateur Sports Fans: The Unsung Heroes

I cannot write an article on amateur sports without mentioning the importance of amateur sports fans. The efforts of millions of amateur athletes around the country must be supported. Amateur teams need their local communities to stand up and support them and cheer them on from the sidelines of whatever venue they find to play at. Even just one cheering fan can make all the difference.

In today’s hyper-competitive world, the amateur athlete is more important than ever. For themselves, amateur sports provide an escape from the digital world and the 24-hour media cycle while enjoying a safe, healthy, competitive pursuit.

Amateur athletes help keep sports alive and thriving. There will always be a place for the amateur athlete.

Bruce Bode

Guest Post Contributor

READ MORE HERE

 

Region I First Round Complete

First Round Complete

Final 8 Set for 28 April

(15 April) The final match of the first round of our Amateur Cup qualifiers ended with Christos FC of Maryland outlasting the Alexandria Reds of National Premier Soccer League in penalty rounds after a 1:1 draw. This game was rescheduled after a communication gaffe saw their original date without referees. After a scoreless first half, Manny Ruiz opened the affair with a strike in the 50th minute. His goal appeared to advance the Reds to the next round but Kyle Saunderson tied it up in the waning minutes to send it to extra time. Christos prevailed when it went into penalty rounds 4:2.

 

The prior ties of the first round were played the week prior. Awaiting the Reds/Christos winner was Los Toros of Metro DC/Virginia who handily shutout Lancaster City FC of Eastern Pennsylvania 6:0. Jack Stone led with a hat trick as Seth Cain, Carlos Hernandez and Ziggey Aggrey contributed. The other South brackets winners saw Steel Pulse FC (MD) edge West Chester United (EPA) 1:0 from a goal by Jonny Humberto Ramos at the end of the first half. They will host Eastern Penn’s Vereinigung Erzgebirge who defeated Virginia Marauders FC (MDCVA) 3:1. Alex Hajj, Antoine Hoppenot and Jalen Weatherspoon tallied for VE with Matthew Martinez scoring the lone goal for the Marauders.

 

The North bracket saw Region cup holder Newtown Pride FC of Connecticut shutout Massachusetts side Sete de Setembro 2:0. Shanardo Green and Gustavo Gomes put the goals through in the second half for Newtown. Their quarterfinal opponent will be the

NY Pancyprian Freedoms of Eastern New York who went through after penalty rounds against their Eastern Premier Soccer League rival Hoboken FC 1912 of New Jersey. In a match that saw the lead see-saw in regulation and extra time, the teams put away 3 goals apiece. Luis Argudo gave the Freedom the lead in the first half but Hoboken’s Jameson Railey drew it even early in the second. James Thristino put Pancyprian ahead briefly only to find Corey Burkhardt tie it again four minutes later. The Jersey side took their first lead on a goal from Alberto Pangrazzi in extra time. That appeared to be the game winner until Thristino hit one at the end of the match. The Pancyprian prevailed in penalty rounds 5:3. NPSL side New York Shockers defeated SC Vistula Garfield (NJ) 2:1. Adel Cekic converted a penalty in the 60th while Filippo Bellu doubled the lead in the 70th. Hubert Dul was good on his penalty kick but it was not enough for the Jersey side. The Shockers will host Providence City FC (MA) in their quarterfinal slot. The first-round match between Providence and NY Greek American (ENY) was not played when Greek American withdrew in protest of field conditions. The protest was reviewed under the auspices of the USASA National Cup Committee and determined that it failed. As the team had abandoned the match, the result was forfeited and given in favor of Providence City FC.

 

We also played a Werner Fricker Cup quarterfinal, the rubber match between West Chester and Steel Pulse. The Eastern Penn side got the better of their Maryland rival this time with a 5:2 victory. Kenneth Roby put in a two-goal, two-assist performance including and assist to Joshua Pulla who had his own brace. Ridge Robinson tallied the other goal.

 

We move onto the Gerhard Mengel Cup, the Over-30 Championship this weekend. First game on Saturday evening with Torres FC (MA) hosting Sportfriends Polonia SC (NJ). On Sunday the other North bracket has New York Ukrainians (ENY)        against Greenwich FC (CT) while the South features NoVa FC (MDCVA) playing Vereinigung Erzgebirge (EPA) and Christos FC (MD) traveling to Rochester to meet Spencerport Storm of Western New York.

Region I Kicks Off 100th Anniversary of the Amateur Cup

Sixteen Teams Battle For Region Title

(5 April) Founded in 1923 as the National Amateur Challenge Cup in response to the growing number of teams entering the National Challenge Cup (Open Cup), the first tournament was not completed due to inclement weather. In 1924, the first side to hoist the inaugural cup was Philly powerhouse, Fleisher Yarn, defeating Chicago Swedish-Americans in the final. Fittingly, the 100th edition kicks off in Region I with the winner heading to DeKalb, Illinois, 25-28 July with USASA club, Dekalb County United, serving as the host organization to determine who will lift the Fritz Marth Trophy.

This Sunday, eight first round matches will be played throughout the Region. Newtown Pride SC of Connecticut look to defend their Region title, falling short last summer in the National final to SC Mesoamerica of Southern California. They will host Sete de Setembro of Massachusetts at Newtown High School Blue & Gold Stadium in a northern bracket battle. Another northern tie has SC Vistula Garfield of New Jersey hosting National Premier Soccer League entry New York Shockers. Two Eastern New York clubs with Open Cup pedigree are among the mix. The NY Greek American will travel to Rhode Island to meet Providence City FC while the NY Pancyprian Freedoms are involved in an Eastern Premier Soccer League derby against Hoboken FC 1912 of New Jersey.

The southern bracket features former the winner of the 2016 edition of the Amateur Cup, Christos FC of Maryland, crossing the Potomac River to take on Alexandria Reds of the Northern Premier Soccer League. Three sides from Eastern Pennsylvania are among the southern group with the Hank Steinbrecher Cup holder West Chester United taking visitors Steel Pulse FC of Maryland, Vereinigung Erzgebirge entertaining Virginia Marauders FC of Metro DC-Virginia while Lancaster City FC head down to Los Toros of Metro DC-Virginia.

The winners advance to the quarterfinals that will be played on 28 April. The Region final is scheduled for Saturday, 15 June, at the Ukrainian American Sport Center in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

USASA Region 1 match

USASA Region 1 match for Eastern NY amateur championship starts April 7: Pancyprians will host @HobokenFC1912; Greek Americans to visit @providencecity_. https://x.com/USASARegion1/status/1766497253806448966… #amateursoccer #adultsoccer #USASAsoccer

100th Anniversary of National Amateur Cup Soccer Tournament

A CENTURY OF PASSION, UNITY, AND EXCELLENCE IN CHICAGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

100th Anniversary of National Amateur Cup Soccer Tournament: A Century of Passion, Unity, and Excellence in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois — December 11, 2023 — Soccer enthusiasts from across the nation are eagerly anticipating the historic 100th anniversary of the National Amateur Cup soccer tournament, set to take place from July 25-28, 2024 in DeKalb, Illinois outside Chicago. This landmark event celebrates a century of amateur soccer, bringing together amateur soccer teams to compete for the Fritz Marth Cup.

Since its inception, the Amateur Cup has been emblematic of amateur soccer in the United States, fostering a strong sense of community among soccer players and fans alike. Over the years, the tournament has become a testament to the grassroots passion for the beautiful game.

The centennial edition promises to be an extraordinary spectacle, bringing teams from all corners of the country to the Chicago area for the semifinal and final games.

“The 100th anniversary of the Amateur Cup is a momentous occasion for players, teams, and fans. This tournament has been a cornerstone of amateur soccer for a century, embodying the essence of dedication and sportsmanship,” said John Motta, President of United States Adult Soccer Association. “The first Amateur Cup final was held in Chicago in 1924 and we are excited to host this remarkable event back in the Chicago area.”

The tournament will feature men’s’ and women’s’ semifinal matches leading to the final, where they will vie for the prestigious title of National Amateur Cup champion. The champion receives a place in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition which includes both amateur and professional teams.

 

Unlike other amateur competitions, the National Amateur Cup tournament is open to any amateur team in the country that enters one of the regional qualifying events. This is a change made possible by the USASA National Board of Directors which approved a policy change that permits teams unaffiliated with USASA to enter the National Amateur Cup provided they register with the appropriate state association or national office.  Unaffiliated teams will now be able to enter an approved state association qualifying competition. Teams from national amateur leagues such as the National Premier Soccer League, the Women’s Premier Soccer League, and United Women’s Soccer are expected to compete as well as teams from NISA Nation and several multi-state regional leagues.

The event will take place in DeKalb, Illinois about an hour’s drive from Chicago’s O’Hare airport. The local USASA club, Dekalb County United, will serve as the host organization. DeKalb County United plays in the Midwest Premier League, a USASA multi-state amateur league with more than 30 teams throughout the Midwest.

John Hall, President of DeKalb County United said, “We are thrilled to have been selected as the host of the 100th USASA National Amateur Cup.  We’re grateful for our partners at Northern Illinois University for working with us to make this event possible in DeKalb County. Thank you to USASA for their trust and collaboration to make this a reality. We look forward to welcoming the top amateur men’s and women’s clubs in the nation to our community in 2024 for an historic event.”

In addition to the competition on the field, the 100th-anniversary celebrations will include a variety of festivities. USASA Executive Director Bruce Bode said, “we are planning fan zones and special guest appearances. We will also highlight the history of this tournament during the build up to and at the finals. We want to create an unforgettable experience for players, fans, and families, ensuring that the event resonates with all members of the soccer community.”

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, and entry details, please visit the official tournament website at:  https://www.usadultsoccer.com/amateurcup

Press Contacts:

Bruce Bode, Executive Director United States Adult Soccer Association. Email: bbode@usasa.com Phone: 630-614-1280

Richard Groff, National Amateur Cup Administrator. Email: rgroffusasa@gmail.com Phone: 215-208-2205

John Hall, President, DeKalb County United. Email:  Dkcu.john@gmail.com Phone: 815-739-7405

About National Amateur Cup

Amateur Cup is the oldest and largest elite open amateur team competition that selects an amateur champion and includes multiple national, regional and state leagues.  Started in 1923 by the United States Soccer Federation, the National Amateur Cup will crown its 100th Champion next July in Illinois, the site of the 1924 Championship. The National Amateur Cup is an elite program of the United States Adult Soccer Association and includes over 125 high level amateur teams entering local state association and national league events. SC Mesoamerica of Los Angeles was the 2023 champion. Recently, Michelob Ultra and Dunkin’ became supporting partners of the National Amateur Cup. For more information visit: https://www.usadultsoccer.com/amateurcup

 

About USASA

The United States Adult Soccer Association is the national association for adult amateur soccer in the United States. Established in 1982, USASA oversees a wide range of adult soccer programs, leagues, and competitions, providing opportunities for players of varying skill levels to engage in the sport. Through its fifty-four state associations, 220,000 players and national leagues, USASA promotes the growth and development of adult soccer at both the recreational and competitive levels, fostering a sense of community and sportsmanship. USASA is a member of the United States Soccer Federation and plays a vital role in advancing the adult soccer landscape in the United States.

 

ABOUT DKCU
DeKalb County United is a minor-league soccer club serving communities of North Central Illinois. Founded in 2017, DKCU is a non-profit 501c4 volunteer managed organization committed to uniting our community through soccer. Men’s and women’s teams participate in the Midwest Premier League, Illinois Women’s Soccer League and National Metro Soccer League. In partnership with a full youth academy, the club looks to provide our supporters with a fantastic matchday atmosphere at NIU while providing DeKalb County businesses and organizations with support through our joint fundraising efforts, engagement and marketing to promote local initiatives.

DKCU is 100% community funded through memberships, sponsors, ticket sales and outreach events hosted by the club. More information can be found at dkcunited.com or www.dkcuacademy.org.

Region I Finals this Weekend

SEVEN CHAMPIONS TO BE CROWNED

Region I will once again be hosted at the Ukrainian American Sports Center in Horsham, Pennsylvania with 19 sides competing for seven titles. Along with the five men finals, the weekend includes tournaments for the Women’s and Under-23 Championships.

Some teams started their journey to the finals as early as last September playing state qualifiers. In April the various state champions started at the quarterfinal rounds divided north and south in the Region. A few of our winners will advance to the USASA National Finals scheduled at the TBK Bank Complex in Bettendorf, Iowa between 4-6 August.

Our first title match features the Manhattan Celtic Masters of Eastern New York against Christos FC of Maryland for the Over-40 Cup. The Celtic arrived to the final defeating 2021 champion Fairfield GAC FC (CT) and Kel Kau Masters (MA) in penalty rounds. Christos went through 12 rounds of penalties to get by two-time finalist Renegades (MDCVA) and then edged Phoenix SC (EPA) 1:0 in the semifinal. The two sides meet Saturday evening at 5:00.

The second leg of our Saturday doubleheader will be the Amateur Cup for the Fritz Marth Trophy. Last season’s finalist and 2019 national champion Newtown Pride FC of Connecticut look continue their TST success of two weeks ago against newcomer Sure Sports FC of Maryland. Newtown made its way getting by NY Pancyprian Freedoms (ENY) and FC Omens (MA) in their norther bracket. Sure Sports upset veteran side West Chester United (EPA) in the quarters and then overcame last season’s Region champion NOVA FC (MDCVA). The winner receives a berth to the National Finals and a shot for an automatic place in the US Open Cup.

Sunday morning will be the inaugural championship in the Over-50 Cup for the Giacomo Testani Trophy. True Soccer of Massachusetts will battle it out against the Philly Bucks of Eastern Pennsylvania. The Region lost its Cup Director, Jack Testani, in April after battling cancer for many years. Jack was a stalwart in our soccer community serving not only the Region but for many decades in the Connecticut. This newest trophy is named in his honor.

We continue the tradition of the Werner Fricker Cup, the Amateur Open Championship that stemmed from the US Open Cup. National and Regional cup holder West Chester United of Eastern Pennsylvania after lifting the Hank Steinbrecher Trophy will face former champion Lansdowne Yonkers FC of Eastern New York. United beat Christos in their semifinal encounter while the Bhoys went through Loco Gunners (MA) and Vistula Garfield SC (NJ) to reach the final. The match will be at noon.

The last of our men’s finals will be the Gerhard Mengel Cup for the Over-30 Championship featuring NY Greek American of Eastern New York against Vereinigung Erzgebirge of Eastern Pennsylvania. The Greeks advanced by defeating Safira SC (MA) and Sportfriends Polonia SC (NJ) while VE posted victories against NOVA FC (MDCVA) and Tartan Devils (PAW).

Once again, the Region is hosting the Women’s Championship. Two-time defending champion Sidekicks FC of Massachusetts will battle it out against HVAA Pride of Eastern Pennsylvania and Rochester Lazers of Western New York. After group play on Saturday, the final will take pace Sunday morning at 10:00.

We also will conduct our successful Men Under-23 Championship for the Gus Xikis Trophy that features nine teams that will seek semifinal places for Sunday morning. The final will be at 1:00 on Sunday.

All our finals can be seen live on the New Logical YouTube channel. Go to our link for finals.

Region I Cup Finals Live Stream