More Kids play soccer than any other sport in the world. The requirements are simplistic which include two legs that bend at the knees and a round ball. The pitch can be a park, school yard, empty car lot or an alley found in the big city. The game doesn’t segregate the genders nor does it distinguish between race and social backgrounds. Basically its the world game that allows everyone to play, but very few to master.
Most young kids these days get influenced by the big companies and their marketing exploits. Kids Soccer has become a breeding ground for fashion statements and a platform to show case the newest boot technologies. Kids these days would rather look the part rather than play to their potential. Owning a pair of the latest boots from Nike or Adidas does not guarantee you anything but a hefty price tag. Kids these days believe the marketing hype and assume that these boots have some sort of magic powers that will allow them to play like a Ronaldo or a Beckham.
Kids in Africa play bare foot because they don’t have the money to spend on boots. Although this is possible, it is not the norm. Basically a shoe that fits could be passed as a soccer boot. It’s not the actual boot that is important but the way the boot fits. Ensure that your players or children have boots that fit correctly rather than worrying about the brand name.
A pair of socks, shorts and a T-shirt is all that’s needed for training. The gear you wear is not as important as the desire you have to play the game and the size of ones heart. Teach and emphasis the importance of practice and training hard and make it clear that the brand does not make the player. The big names such as Nike and Adidas prey on kids and sell them the dream of being a superstar without all the trimmings. The trimmings being sweat, blood and tears. “Wear this and wear that” and you’ll become a superstar like Beckham. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
To end this post, always ensure your players or children wear one of the most important pieces of equipment. Can you guess what it is? It’s called a Smile.
I am a kids soccer coach ages 8-9 and we had our first game last weekend. We won but despite my best efforts many still crowded the ball and completely forgot their positions. Do you have any suggestions?
A quick trip to Africa is certainly one of the beautiful ways football can help us teach our children and enlighten them about such choices. In the very least, it will be an eye-opening, life-changing, everlasting, wonderful experience. I volunteer to lead lead it.
Hello,
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