However, Funes added that anyone who wants to play is welcome to join them.
Jesus Torres, 30, a Marietta resident from Mexico, said the Sunday games are evidence there are soccer fans in the Valley, many of whom will no doubt be glued to their television sets for the World Cup, the month long, international soccer tournament held every four years. wholesale nfl jerseys But the interest here pales in comparison to other countries. Wynn, who played soccer at Marietta High School and Walsh University in North Canton and is a frequent participant in the Sunday games, said American children often have their attention divided.
“Here in America, all of us kids try to play three or four sports,” he said.
Wynn had teammates from England, Canada and Argentina at Walsh and played in youth tournaments against international teams. Many international players had better foot speed than their American counterparts because of their concentration on soccer and soccer only.
“They’re playing soccer year round. They don’t even know of other sports,” Wynn said.
Wynn said if he isn’t watching World Cup games live, he’ll be recording them on DVR. Torres plans to do the same.
The World Cup is even drawing the interest of Williamstown resident Jim Morgan, 37. He enjoys playing soccer on Sundays but usually doesn’t watch it or any sports on TV.
“I’d rather be playing something than watching it,” he said.
Still, Morgan said he’s probably going to watch a few World Cup games over the next month.
“It’s almost like an Olympic event, it’s worldwide. teams that normally wouldn’t play (each other),” he said. “You’re going to see players that you’ve never seen before and see styles that you’re not used to.”
“Their chances aren’t good to win it, but I’m looking for us to just slowly learn and progress with each World Cup,” he said.
Funes said he’s rooting for Brazil and Spain, the two top ranked teams in the world. Brazil is a perennial favorite and Spain is the reigning European champion.