There has long been a link between Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the US, with stars like Tommy Smith playing in the US and for the Anfield club as far back as the 1970s. However, since Fenway Sports Group (FSG) purchased the club in October 2010, the links between LFC and FSG’s homeland have strengthened further, and the influence of LFC in the US has expanded.
A soccer expert from JustGamblers helped us get a better understanding of this. He told us,
“You only need to look at the sports betting market in the US to see how popular the English Premier League is. Within this popularity, clubs like Manchester Utd, Arsenal, and LFC attract huge betting interest. LFC in particular, has expanded its influence in the US recently as a result of its impressive level of success. This has been reflected in high numbers of bets on LFC being received at sportsbooks.”
The club’s recent success is only part of the story when it comes to looking at LFC’s influence in the US.
LFC academies in US locations
LFC has academies across the US, and they have helped to develop the influence of the club in the country. The LFC International Academy South Florida is one of the latest examples of locations where the LFC way is passed on to young people with a talent for soccer.
The LFC international academy system works due to the presence of LFC International Academy coaches. These coaches teach directly from the curriculum developed at LFC. So, the training provided mirrors the training at the academy in Liverpool. This uniform coaching approach helps to spread the LFC ethos across the US.
Liverpool players have taken their skills to the US
As we mentioned earlier, LFC players have been linked with the US for many years. Tommy Smith was playing for LFC when he spent the summer of 1976 on loan at NASL side Tampa Bay Rowdies. This was during the period when LFC was achieving international success, and players like Smith spread skills learned at the club to other players during their time spent in the US.
The Liverpool way has continued to be taken to the US by players ever since. For example, one of the greatest Anfield players ever, Steven Gerard, played for Los Angeles Galaxy after a move to the MLS team in 2015.
In recent years, the team’s success has also played a part in the expansion of the club’s US influence and the growth of its fanbase.
Liverpool FC is the most supported Premier League club in the US
The growth of LFC’s popularity in the US has led to the club being recognised as the most popular club in the US. This accolade has been given to LFC as a result of a survey by Morning Consult. According to the results of this survey, around three in five people surveyed, who identified as Premier League fans, said their opinion of Liverpool was either favourable or somewhat favourable.
In addition, the survey found that around 21% of adults in the US had a favourable opinion of LFC. This was the highest figure amongst the major Premier League teams with Manchester Utd. coming second in terms of positive opinion, Manchester City in third, Chelsea fourth, and Arsenal fifth.
Given these figures, it’s clear that LFC’s success in recent years is having a significant influence in the US, together with the talents of players who move there, and the coaching provided by LFC international academies.
