Kelly S. Croslis is a Freelance Writer and stay-at-home mom to 3 active teenage girls. She uses much of what she learned and experienced in her 20 years of military life and raising her girls. Kelly is a columnist for several Online magazines and Freelances for her local newspaper. She lives with her husband and 3 girls in Pennsylvania.

David Beckham
by Kelly S. Croslis

Major league soccer has struggled over the years to gain recognition, all the while youth soccer continues to gain in popularity. It seems though that there is a change on the way. Earlier this month David Beckham, England's soccer phenomenon, signed a contract with the American pro soccer team, the LA Galaxy. The significance of this event has sent shock waves through the soccer community. Not since the British invasion of rock stars has an English icon caused such uproar.

Soccer has not had the coverage it receives in other countries. While football and baseball take precedence, soccer games are being played with its loyal fans hoping for more. Since the announcement of Beckham's signing, a 5 year contract deal worth up to $250 million in salary and potential commercial and endorsement income, ticket sales have soared. The LA Galaxy team has sold over 5000 full season tickets since the announcement was made. The "Beckham effect" as it is being called as also boosted ticket sales for other MLS teams, with an overall jump of nearly 200%, an amount that is almost unheard of.

MLS has a long way to go to win over skeptics, but the potential is there. As youth soccer player enter college and go "pro" popularity of the sport may become more evident. It is the hope of MLS franchise's and promoters that Beckham will help bring MLS to the forefront of people's minds in turn bring more interest in the US.

To begin his American MLS career, Beckham will give a TV interview during the Super Bowl on February 4, reaching over 80 million viewers. Beckham's contract will begin July 1, when his contract with his current team, Real Madrid, expires June 30.

Though the World Cup holds the same status as the Super Bowl or World Series, it seems the coverage is not as wide as it would be for other sports. Those who are truly soccer fans seem to be a silent majority, hoping to one day have a true voice in the sports world. All eyes are on Beckham to lead this conversion. While it is true he will bring a much needed boost to the MLS, it will not be enough on its own. Those who follow the sport must be ready to stand up and promote it on their own.

I for one am on his side. I look forward to his arrival in the states and the hope that MLS will come into it's own in the coming years. Maybe we should take a lesson from our children - and discover what they have known for years - soccer is a great sport. I have to wonder how many more 'secrets' we could find if we only gave lesser known things a chance.

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