Beckham ahoy!

a guest contributor writes...

In the flashy world of American sports one finds many distinctive cultural events. Hotdogs, popcorn, cheerleaders, huge costumed mascots, marching bands, and a very "US" feel.

This also applies to US soccer, as one would imagine. The big teams, which include LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Columbus Crew, the steadily rising Seattle Sounders, and the soon-to-be-admitted-to-MLS Philadelphia Union. It seems to be big business. But is soccer really all that popular?

You may be surprised to hear that football is the most played sport in US schools, and the team sport which is most participated in. While American football and baseball are the big spectator sports, soccer is the People's Game. It is hoped that grassroots fervour around this sport will build it up into an industry to rival that of Europe. And it seems that the 34 year old David Beckham wants to be a part of it.

Beckham's contract with the League and LA Galaxy states that he will be allowed to operate an MLS team. He told the BBC: "I have the right to own an M.L.S. franchise, which I will action immediately after I have stopped playing". In 2010, Philly Union will enter the league's hallowed halls, and in 2011, Portland Timbers and the Canadian Vancouver Whitecaps will step onto the big-money field. Beckham is allowed to start running a team in 2012. One of the teams looking for 2012 entry will be another Canadian club, Montreal.

The owner of Montreal Impact, Joey Saputo, along with other high-profile parties, are dropping hints in the media suggesting Beckham involvement in a deal. Saputo, confirming that potential parters had approached him, stated "I can say yes, we were approached about two months ago, but I can’t say by whom."

Will the worldwide football landscape be affected by David Beckham steering the 19th ship in the Major League Soccer fleet? Only time will tell. But I will say this, American interest in association football is soaring.

Story here.