Localizing a World Passion

With the exception of a few years in the 1970s, soccer has mostly been a sport embraced by the world, but not by America.

While this “international” game has made some strides over the years, it still remains very much a foreign game. But at Soccer Stadium, Chris Cantagallo is working toward not only bringing the game “home” but also giving it a local touch, the kind of touch only someone with a passion for the sport can give it.

“I grew up and live in Brick Township, and I played soccer for as long as I can remember, even a little in college,” he said one early February day, when business was slow and the day was cold.

But even though it was slow that day, Cantagallo still found himself helping an older couple find the perfect pair of cleats, which they were buying as a gift for someone else. From turf specific shoes, to indoor and outdoor shoes, to limited editions and more, Cantagallo carries a wide variety of footwear to meet almost anyone’s need.

“You have to be a knowledgeable expert, it’s a little bit more of a personal service that way,” he said.

Cantagallo opened Soccer stadium in the fall of 2006, choosing East Brunswick because of the region’s active soccer clubs and leagues. The store not only offers jersey’s of your favorite professional soccer stars, but shirts, hats, jackets and of course, uniforms, for local clubs such as the East Brunswick Soccer Club, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, Monroe and Old Bridge.

“We’ve always kind of sold the localness of the store,” he said “ People can come in, get measured and pick up the uniforms. We take it out of the coach’s hands.”

While soccer may not be wildly popular among adults and television audiences, Cantagallo said he has seen a definite increase in its popularity, particularly during the past year, when the World Cup was held in South Africa.

“The increase was huge,” he said. “It’s a four-year wait, and when it does come, it creates a buzz. Plus, there’s always the hope that the U.S. will do better.”

He also said that youth soccer is on the rise, a trend he hopes to capitalize on by offering not just jerseys and uniforms, but small affordable items such scarves, crazy socks, magnets, mini balls, and things called Flexors and Skunkies.

“It’s the only sport that can capture a kid at 4 years old. You don’t see football specific stores, and they’re are enough kids playing that you can carry a soccer specific store.”

Last summer the store sponsored a World Cup event that included a street soccer tournament in the parking lot.

“It was a lot of fun. It’d like to do another, maybe something annually.”

Exciting kids about a sport he loves isn’t something new to Cantagallo. A graduate of Farleigh Dickinson University, he worked at a Soccer Post store before entering the mortgage business. But after spending time in that field, he realized what he really wanted to do.

“When I had the opportunity to do it, I jumped at it.”

Soccer Stadium is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until March, when its hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturdays, the shop is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Soccer Stadium is located at 251 Route 18, near Tices Lane. Visit them at soccerstadiumonline.com, or call them at 732-390-6500.