Why Soccer Is Good For Kids

There are more benefits to playing youth soccer than you may
realize

The sport of soccer continues to grow in the US as evidenced by
the increasing number of kids getting involved in the game and
the attendance numbers at MLS soccer games throughout the
country. This is a good thing because it provides a great
opportunity for all kids, no matter how tall, short, skinny,
plump, shy, smart, or whatever, to gain the benefits of being
part of a team where anyone can be a super star on any given
day.

All sports provide physical and other benefits for those
involved in them. But soccer offers much more to help youths
develop, interact with others, and just plain enjoy themselves,
something kids should do, after all.

One of the greatest things about soccer is that any kid can
kick a soccer ball and learn to do it well within a short period
of time. There are no special talents required. If a boy or girl
can run, he or she can do so with a soccer ball at his or her
feet. Any kid can gain basic skills in dribbling, passing, and
shooting a soccer ball with minimal time and effort expended.
This means that any child that wants to play soccer can do so
and be at a level of most of the players on the field.

Kids don't need to be 7 foot tall leaping gazelles or
refrigerator-sized brutes or multi-talented athletes to play on
a soccer team and perform at least as well as most of the
teammates. Soccer is a pure team sport. No one player, no matter
how talented, can win a game on his or her own. Winning a soccer
game requires the participation of every one of his teammates
out on the pitch. This allows every kid on the team to touch the
ball often and contribute to making plays, no matter what his or
her skill level is.

This really helps build a child's self-esteem, which can be
seen in the confidence displayed on the field. Something as
simple as a good pass or stopping the ball from getting to an
opponent can make a kid feel good about him or herself and that
makes them perform even better. And they have lots of chances to
do this. One good play washes away any and all misses.

I have seen timid boys and girls blossom into assertive soccer
players in just a few weeks. All because they got to touch the
ball and contribute to the team. And when they win, every kid
feels part of that win. And when they lose, they feel proud of
having played as well as they could and look forward to the next
game when it starts all over. Every kid knows that in the next
game he or she will be right out there in the middle of things
helping her team win and maybe even score the winning goal or
make a winning save.

There is also something about the parents at soccer games. Only
the sport of soccer has a "Mom", a Soccer Mom. These wonderful
ladies, who shuttle their kids back and forth to soccer games
every weekend, are the soul of youth soccer in America. Soccer
moms have played a big part in the popularity of youth soccer
and their involvement in the sport has helped many a youngster
enjoy being part of a team.

There are many resources on the web about other benefits of
youth soccer including physical conditioning and injury
prevention. One of my favorite soccer websites is
http://www.SoccerCountry.com where you will also find all kinds
of stuff about soccer, like soccer news, stats, and soccer game
schedules.

In addition to those highlighted in this article, soccer
provides other benefits for youngsters. Think about all that
running and stopping and turning. Great for the lungs, muscles,
and the mind. And there are so many more.

If your child is not playing soccer, what are you waiting for?
It's going to be the number one sport in the US eventually, just
like it is in every other country in the world. Get your son and
daughter out on the soccer field as early as possible. It keeps
them out of trouble, builds their confidence, keeps them
healthy, and helps them grow the right way. I know. I raised
four soccer kids that started playing at five years of age and I
saw the development provided by soccer through their teen years
as the coach of their soccer teams.

Every town and county probably has a youth soccer association.
It won't be hard to find a team for your son and daughter. You
never know, one of your kids could be the next David Beckham.
And, if you are a mother, maybe you will be Soccer Mom of the
Year.

Ciao for now,

Bernie Rosellen

Soccer From The Pitch

About the author:
Bernie Rosellen has played and been involved with soccer for
over thirty years. He coached his four kids' youth soccer teams
for fifteen years and is still active coaching youths today. He
still plays on two adult soccer teams in the Richmond, VA area
today. Tapping his experiences as a soccer player and soccer
coach, he writes articles as ASoccer From The Pitch@ and
provides content for websites such as
http://www.SoccerCountry.com.