If you’re here because of the World Cup, don’t worry: You’re not alone. Bringing new fans to soccer is why World Cups can be so powerful.
Don’t feel the need to be apologetic about it either. Sports culture tends to have a high barrier to entry, but look: We all have to start our journey somewhere. And there is no one way to do it.
That you’re considering Thorns FC and the National Women’s Soccer League as part of that journey should make things a little easier. Not only is the quality of play from the club and the league higher than you’d see in the World Cup (seriously, it’s better), but the culture around each, conscious of the virtues and flaws in other sports, has been crafted by fans to be a unique, inclusive experience.