The Name Of The Game Is Soccer

Year Published: 1980

Creator: Seven Seas Cinema

Format: 16mm

Sound: sound

Description: Made in 1978 and featuring players from the defunct The North American Soccer League (NASL), "The Name of the Game is Soccer" attempts to introduce the game to American audiences, especially kids. The NASL was the top-level major professional soccer league in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984. It is considered the first soccer league to be successful on a national scale in the United States. The film is introduced by John Best President/General Manager Vancouver Whitecaps and others reflecting on their initial perception of soccer as a foreign sport, associating it with Europe and South America. They mention how soccer became more prominent in North America with the start of major league play in 1967, highlighting the significant evolution of the sport. The film explains the different player positions and roles. Johan Cruyff is featured. The film also points out the growing popularity of soccer in North America, noting the increase in participation from 100,000 to over a million players by the 1980s. Soccer can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, with its focus on skill rather than physique. Soccer is seen as an inclusive sport, welcoming both men and women. 00:00 John Best reflecting on how soccer was once seen in North America as a foreign sport (2:17), often unfamiliar to the general public—he recalls someone in Texas even asking, "Do you eat it?" (2:59). Soccer’s global reach is emphasized, with its roots as one of the earliest team sports (3:04), and he outlines its core structure with 11 players divided into four main roles: goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards (3:20–7:02). Each position is explored in detail—from the bravery and decision-making of goalkeepers (3:44), to the tactical discipline of defenders (4:51), the physical endurance of midfielders (5:57), and the persistence and opportunism required of forwards (6:57). Johan Cruyff is highlighted as an example of soccer intelligence and versatility (8:19–10:00), with his vision, adaptability, and leadership marking him as one of the sport's greats. His presence in American soccer is seen as both inspirational and instructional for young players. The growth of soccer in North America, statistics highlight a meteoric rise in youth participation—from under 200 kids a decade prior to over 72,000 registered players in North Texas alone. 11:45: Soccer is championed as a non-discriminatory sport accessible to children of all sizes and both sexes (13:01), with its inclusiveness and lack of reliance on size or brute strength making it especially appealing for girls (14:00). Several speakers emphasize soccer's universal appeal and lifelong playability, recounting personal stories of joining the sport later in life or continuing to play well into their 50s and beyond 15:25: The physical and mental demands of the game are significant—conditioning and endurance are critical (17:02), as is the mental discipline to stay sharp for 90 minutes 17:27: Coaching, preparation, and tactical awareness are also discussed (18:42), as well as the increasing depth of talent across American colleges and youth programs (19:42). As more American players gain high-level experience, the hope is that “the cream will rise” (20:32), setting the stage for a generation of homegrown stars like Bobby Lenarduzzi (22:03). The rapid growth of professional leagues and soaring attendance figures—like Vancouver’s rise from 8,000 to 20,000 fans—underscore soccer’s increasing prominence (22:47). Personal anecdotes from players reveal their nervous energy before games, and their joy at scoring and competing 23:50: The documentary closes with an optimistic vision: success in soccer depends less on body type and more on heart and desire (25:40). The U.S. and Canada are seen as fertile ground for future superstars, with someone, somewhere in a playground today destined to be the region’s first true soccer legend.

Complete Record: Provides information about the basic elements of soccer. Highlights professional players on the field and during interviews.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd5gTWK6zLk

Metadata Source:YouTube