Multimedia Editor
Depending on the day, if you walk and look around campus you might see one thing in common if you pay close attention.
From the Fine Arts Building to the University Center, students’ eyes are glued to their phones, tablets or laptops as they watch in excitement for one thing and one thing only: football.
And yes, the real football.
There is no question that football, or soccer, is the most-watched sport in the world. Around 1.5 billion gathered to watch a thrilling battle between France and Argentina in the 2022 World Cup.
Leading up to that final, if you walked around campus, it was clear the World Cup was happening. You could feel it around UTA as people gathered in clusters to watch the group stage and knockout rounds on any device possible.
In those fleeting moments, you could see how diverse and connected students were at any moment. Football became a way for students to break barriers at any moment as they rushed to class. If you had time to spare you could stop for a second and watch the beautiful game with the world around you.
But those moments are temporary, only a glimpse of what football culture could be on campus.
While talks about bringing back American football echo throughout the university, I wonder about the alternate universe where UTA has a soccer team.
I can not help but think that UTA has the perfect recipe to foster and create an exciting footballing program. If you played soccer in North Texas it is clear how talented the players are in the region.
Yet the harsh reality is that many brilliant players miss out on chances to play at the next level and in college. With such a ripe selection of players waiting for that chance, UTA has the opportunity to invest and cater to its student body by giving aspiring players in the region a chance to carry on with their dreams.
Allowing students to cheer on their peers and see their school represented in a sport that truly reflects the campus would help students feel more included and welcome. With nine 2026 World Cup games being hosted just miles from campus, the excitement for the sport will only grow.
What makes football so beautiful is that it is a sport that many can play. Its historical beginning is that of grassroots clubs formed by local communities, factory workers, or public schools. The sport has always been driven by a sense of community.
UTA does not have to go all out and invest in a D1 program right away if it is worried about cost.
The university can better invest in its club teams.
Showcasing financial support for club soccer teams can help foster a grassroots feel and community support in ways that only football can bring.
The students of UTA do not just deserve fleeting moments of togetherness.
It would be amazing to see how footballing culture could grow at UTA with more time and investment. Allowing teams to use Maverick Stadium could be the first step, allowing better viewing for supporters and a proper pitch for the players.
Football at its core is about community. The badge over your heart represents so much more than you. It is the student body, city and neighborhood that brings life to it all.
Small beginnings that UTA can start now can help make a fleeting moment into a lasting one if it just glues its eyes on the beautiful game.
@ronaldobolanos_
sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Multimedia Editor
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