Since his early youth, Weatherly rising junior goalie Noah Mayernick has had a passion for the game, and he has been an avid fan of the World Cup — which began June 11 and will conclude July 19.

Yet, Mayernick sees the game as much bigger than what happens on the pitch.

“I feel the World Cup affects soccer in a lot of ways,” said Mayernick. “It gets people interested in the game, especially those who have never played soccer before.

“It gets people to have a love for friendly competition, and it makes people want to play soccer for themselves because of the famous soccer stars they see play. It also helps a lot of people have a unity with one another for their country’s team.”

Mayernick was among boys players and coaches from the area who shared their feelings about the local impact of the World Cup.

For many players and coaches throughout the area, the World Cup is their Super Bowl, elevated at a higher level because of its infrequent nature. They have seen how it has infiltrated and influenced youth and high school programs.

Teammate and fellow junior midfielder Joshua Almanzar remembers watching the 2022 World Cup. He also shares Mayernick’s sentiments about the game.

“I do believe it (World Cup) can affect soccer in the area,” said Almanzar. “It can really make the sport more known in the community.”

Weatherly head coach Kevin Kennedy will be keeping a watch on the USMNT games, and he knows his players will be locked in as well.

Kennedy sees the viewership ranging by its age-related audience.

“In the overall area, the acceptance varies by generation with boomers less likely to contribute their time to the sport,” reflected Kennedy. “GenX and younger are much more likely to consider the sport one of their favorites or their outright top sport to play.”

Northwestern head boys coach Nate Hunsicker plans to be an avid follower, and he believes his team will follow his lead.

“Absolutely!” said Hunsicker. “I will be watching the World Cup. I’m sure a lot of my guys will be as well. There has been a lot of chatter about it at our training. I think there’s a lot of excitement about it in the area.

“Being hosted in the United States has generated some extra buzz. I’m hopeful team USA can make a run, but I’ll also be rooting for Germany, although I think Spain will win.”

Recently resigned Pleasant Valley head coach Issac Blagogee has been a lifelong fan. He also views the area as a soccer hotbed.

“I know the players will be watching the World Cup and they are rooting for the USA,” said Blagogee. “The World Cup I can remember is the 2006 final when France played Italy and (Zinedine) Zidane headbutted a player.

“This is a big soccer area, especially with the amount of clubs we have and how diverse it is. This World Cup is going to shock us, and I don’t believe the favorites will win.”

Tristan Moore, who also stepped down at Northern Lehigh, believes there will be a following in spite of many who don’t have the sport near the top of their lists.

“I have been watching the World Cup since 1978 and am a huge fan, “said Moore. “I believe that it’s going to be watched by a lot of people in our area.

“I understand a lot of people don’t understand the love some have for the game, but I think a good amount will be watching, supporting the USA or which country they have descendants from.”

New Tamaqua head coach Patrick Blaser plans to have his TV clicker handy.

“I’ll definitely be watching and I know many of my players will be watching as well,” said Blaser. “I’ve always been a World Cup fan. It’s the biggest stage in the sport and watching the different styles of play and the passion that comes with it is what gets me the most excited.”

Tamaqua senior Aidan Elston surely is excited about the World Cup, and attended Sunday’s game in Philly between Ivory Coast and Curacao.

“I am watching the World Cup, and I felt fortunate to get to a game,” said Elston. “I couldn’t wait, and it was great.

“I know my teammates Brandon (Antonio), Tommy (Lasky), Brian (Godinez), and Zach (Hartzell) will be watching the World Cup. I feel like the World Cup is accepted in this area, and I am definitely a big World Cup fan.”

Blaser is confident the World Cup can be a springboard for soccer on many levels.

“I think events like the World Cup are great for soccer in our area,” emphasized Blaser. “The goal for this coaching staff is to continue to grow the game in the Tamaqua area, and when soccer is front and center like this, it helps create excitement and interest among kids who may not have followed the sport before.

“Anytime young players can watch the best players in the world compete, it’s a positive for the game locally.”