Summer is the perfect time to introduce children to the positive qualities of team sports. And what better way to get them active than soccer? Here are some reasons why youth soccer is a fantastic way to get your kids on an active path in life.
This is an entry level activity
Soccer for beginners is about the easiest team activity you can do. Compared to other sports such as baseball or soccer, the ultimate emphasis of soccer (kicking the ball toward opposite ends of the field) is something that preschool children can grasp without much instruction. As they grow and soccer interests them, they will learn more about tactics and strategy. But for now, by the time your little one becomes the next David Beckham, Mia Hamm or Pelé, he or she will probably just love to run around and try to score goals.
Supports cognitive development
Another difference from baseball or soccer is that soccer has a much faster pace. Instead of waiting for the next throw or the next pass, children have to think quickly and react immediately to what is happening on the field, which improves cognitive flexibility.
It Keeps Kids Fit
With all the running involved in soccer, even on small non-professional fields, your child will improve their cardiovascular health, as well as increase coordination, strength and flexibility. As their soccer skills develop, they can seek more advanced training methods on their own.
It Gets Kids Social
Given the team atmosphere, soccer is a great way for kids to spend time with friends or meet new ones. As kids get older and can understand the concept of strategy, players need to communicate with each other and experience teamwork to achieve their goal – which in this case is scoring goals! Communicating effectively and learning to work together through youth soccer is a great foundation for the social and work-related interactions children will have later in life.
Instills respect, responsibility and Sportsmanship
Along with imprinting a good work ethic, youth soccer gets young children acclimated to treating teammates, coaches and opponents with respect. Kids also rely on participating and sharing responsibility for what happens during a game or practice.
This does wonders for self-confidence and self-esteem
Although obviously a team sport, individuals in the game of soccer will stand out from time to time, whether it’s because of a great game or an unfortunate miscue. If shyness is an issue, youth soccer will get your child in front of a crowd – even if it’s just a group of parents – and with each game or practice, they’ll build confidence in themselves and push themselves to do better. And who knows, if they have a natural talent in sports, it will set them up for a lifetime of travel to become the greatest player in the world.