of the play and the magic of the moment.” A part-time writ- ing instructor at Carroll University, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Boyd has been posting weekly parental advice blogs on
USYouthSoccer.org for four years. One suggests that if field conditions are damp, parents should bring gallon-size baggies
The number of youth soccer players in the United States has doubled since 1990, to more than 4 million players.
~U.S. Soccer Federation
to protect the car’s floor from the mud of soccer shoes, plus a change of clothes for the players. In another, she asks parents “not to be snooty or pompous” if their child’s team is better than the opposition and to “have more patience with referees that don’t meet your stan- dard of perfection in calls.” Because soccer calls for near- constant movement—running with or toward the ball or walking into a better position on the field—it’s an effective antidote to childhood obesity. The Presi- dent’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nu- trition (
Fitness.gov) suggests that children get one hour or more a day in either moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity. For adults, the recommendation is at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. Playing or practicing soccer skills definitely meets the criteria. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics Association (HealthyChildren. org) cited soccer as a way for children to be physically active while they learn teamwork and sportsmanship. It also noted that the most common player
injuries are minor sprains and strains, followed by bruises. Boyd advises, “Most of these require rest, ice, compression and elevation for the injured area, and a week away from the sport. Don’t rush children back onto the field; think long-term.” Current and long- time U.S. national Olympic team member
Christie Rampone, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, notes that because soccer doesn’t involve the hands, “Youngsters get used to using other, different muscle groups, allowing for optimal strength and coordination.” She suggests that parents have children also note some non-action elements of the sport, such as the communication occurring on the soccer field.
Even when people in the stands are loudly shouting encouragement, players are talking with each other and using body language to enhance their team play. “Point out to kids the posi- tive emotions and energy expressed when things don’t go well. Even though the game can be frustrating at times, learn from how the players stay poised and focused throughout the match.”
For more information, also visit
USSoccer.com and
nbcOlympics.com.
Randy Kambic, who played soccer in school, is a freelance writer and editor in Estero, FL, and a copyeditor for Natural Awakenings.
SOCCER AS A FAMILY AFFAIR Here are some ways small groups of two or more soccer neophytes can join in the fun.
n Start by using the sides of the feet at a 90-degree angle to the path of the ball and tap it back and forth.
n Soon, start using more of the instep in kicking the ball to lift it into the air a little. Also, when “trapping” (controlling) the ball, pull a foot or leg back slightly upon contact, so that it settles closer.
n With three people, arrange everyone in a triangle. Later, slightly changing posi- tions can further improve ball passing and controlling abilities.
n Play “keep away,” with a third person in-between the other two.
n Eventually, start juggling—keeping the ball aloft and glancing off the feet, thighs, chest and head (no hands)—thus expanding basic skills and providing a progressive number of hits without drops for each player to keep trying to surpass.
natural awakenings August 2012 39
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