World Cup Dreams: Getting Children Involved

When you look at kids playing sports, you’ll see that many of them are part of soccer teams. Yes. Terms like soccer dads and soccer moms were coined from the great number of children playing the game. And why shouldn’t they play? It’s practically only the greatest sports in the world.

Image Source: isport.com

All the football stars in the upcoming World Cup used to be children who dreamed of becoming great at football. Players like Messi, Ozil, and Ronaldo all played soccer since they were small, and followed through with their dreams.

Now while only a small percentage of kids playing will get the call to suit up for the grandest stage in all of sports, the rest will still have a number of huge benefits to reap for when they grow up. Not only is soccer one of the best ways for kids to stay in shape and make their bodies stronger, but it is also a game that teaches so many important values such as hard work and discipline. Soccer teaches children to stay the course and persevere no matter what. It also imparts to them the importance of fair play and winning and losing graciously. But probably most important of all, children experience being a part of a team.

It’s one of the best exercises in the world. Running around chasing after each other and the ball makes for healthier heart and lungs. Children’s leg muscles are also fortified, much more than kids who don’t play sports.

It teaches kids the meaning of teamwork. If this is the first team sport a child will join, odds are the only team they’ll ever know is their family. Soccer teaches kids the value of working with their peers. This benefit will serve them later in life as well.

It’s fun. There’s nothing boring about soccer. Children will constantly be on the move. And with their boundless energy, this is a great direction for them.

It’s cross-cultural. More than other games, soccer forges new and strong friendships. This extends far beyond local games. FIFA has more than 200 national member associations and high-profile events allow children to interact with, and see other children of different nationalities and cultures. This helps children become more broad-minded and accepting as adults.

Image Source: activeforlife.com

It is especially important that this is done during the developmental stage of the child (around 5 to 13 years old). This period, psychologists say, is what forges the adult personality.

Hi! I’m John Eilermann. I want to share what I know about football, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. Learn more about me and the stuff I love here.