Kick! Magazine's First Issue Focuses on World Cup

Posted on June 9, 1998

Kick!, a new magazine, is in the mail to a million soccer-playing households across the country, according to Jim Palmer, managing director of The Aegis Group Publishers.

"Over 18 million people play soccer in the United States -- that's more than compete at baseball or football," says Palmer. "Now the players and their families, as well as fans of the game, have an authoritative, high-quality magazine that speaks to uniquely American soccer needs and interests."

Palmer said the quarterly publication will cover the whole world of soccer but will focus on the interest of young American players and their "soccer moms and dads." In its premier issue, Kick! focuses on soccer's World Cup '98, which begins later this week in France. Three feature articles identify the national teams to watch, the American players to cheer for and what to check on during U.S. prime time TV coverage. Regular editorial departments include "Clinics" for advanced and beginner players, tips "From The Bench" for parent-coaches, new gear in the "Duffel Bag," and a training table for teen "Body Goals."

Kick! is edited by Jamie Trecker, a transplanted Scot, who is the soccer correspondent, for USA Today and the soccer specialist for Inside Sports. Trecker has assembled notable soccer authorities to write for Kick! The premier issue includes reports by George Vecsey of the New York Times, Steve Goff of the Washington Post, Graham Jones of the Los Angeles Times, and Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe. Leading coaches and players will also write for the publication.

Kick! is the first magazine to be owned by The Aegis Group Publishers in its 60-year history. Its core business revolves around over 40 periodicals and sixteen websites for marketers including Chevrolet, Exxon, the Farmers Insurance Group, General Motors, IBM and the Signature Group. A Kick! website will launch later this summer.