1 . About 25 million people play soccer in the U.S.,    1    is almost 10% of the total population. Many of these players are young people, and soccer’s    2    (popular) has grown over the years in part because children as young as five years old can play on    3    (organize) teams.    4    contrast, most baseball and basketball leagues don’t start until ages seven    5    eight. Also, most parents want to sign their kids up for soccer teams because the sports    6    (consider) very sage,    7    (like) baseball and basketball. Most    8    (importance), the culture of youth soccer in America places greater importance on teamwork than being    9    (compete). Because of this, players of all skill levels are able to be part of    10    team.