The benefits of Kids Soccer are clearly evident for all to see. The game is easy to learn, it doesn’t discriminate between race, social background or education. Its popular amongst the wealthy and the poor and provides kids with a healthy lifestyle.
Soccer is easy to learn. Young kids do not need to be taught to run or kick a ball. It comes naturally like walking and breathing. The objective of the game is simple, get that round thing in the ol onion bag. The requirements are a round ball and two legs that will bend at the knees. The pace of the game allows it to hold the attention of the kids who frequently get bored playing other sports.
Soccer doesn’t discriminate against gender. Boys and girls of all shapes and sizes can play the game. The continuous action and pace of the game allows kids to develop their fitness, build stamina and strength. 2 in every 5 kids are overweight. Studies suggest that children who participate in organised sport are more likely to adopt healthy lifestyles. By allowing your kids to play soccer they develop
- Endurance
- Muscular Strength
- Flexibility
- Co-ordination
- Balance
- Weight Control
- and Social Skills.
Let your children play organised sports. Let them play Soccer. Why would you deny them the chance to physically and mentally excel.
Personally I’ve been involved in Soccer since I was 4 years old. It could’ve been earlier but the memory doesn’t extend further than the age of 4. Through my personal experience and the accumulation of memories, these are my 10 Commandments for Kids Soccer. These are open to debate, modification and are good building block for soccer ethics. I haven’t pulled these from the top of my head, they have come to me after 30 years of mistakes, errors and victories. Also note that these are not placed in any specific order and I’m sure many of you will disagree. This list is not the law but it makes for a healthy association with soccer.
The 10 Commandments of Kids Soccer
Thou shall play fairly. Never cheat or play unfairly. Play in the spirit of the gameThou shall respect all opponents, officials and spectators. This is not negotiable. At the end of the day we are all human beings playing the game we love, Soccer.
Thou shall not criticize any player for an error or mistake. As human beings it is our right to make mistakes. Great lessons can be learnt from mistakes. The greatest players in the world have failed more times than they have succeeded. This also includes the referees, coaches and parents.
Thou shall practice. You cannot progress or develop if you do not practice. “Practice makes perfect”. They way you practice will inevitably reflect your match day performance.
Thou shall respect the Laws of the Game. If you do not know the laws and rules of the game, learn them. Remember the game was never about you. It’s the world game.
Honour your opponent. Never try to deliberately hurt anyone during the game.
Honour the referee. The referee is always right, even if his wrong.
You shall not dive or be dishonest. Teach kids from a young age that gamesmanship is far more important than simply winning.
Always honour your team. The team you play for should be an extension of your family. Treat players in your team as you would your family.
Thou shall always SMILE and embrace soccer and the beauty of life.
You forgot the Golden Rule of soccer!
Do unto the game, as long as the game does it for you!
In our attempt to mold champions, we often lose sight of the fact that most of the kids we are responsible for will never play high school varsity, much less club (premier) or college soccer. The time our children spend playing “The Beautiful Game” is supposed to be a magnificent romp, a journey of self-discovery, and FUN! Unfortunately, if you have an idiot coach pushing little Jimmy Average to be the next Pele or Donovan or Kljestan, Jimmy will quit and hate you for it! We have a sacred charge as coaches, regardless of whether we are working with kids during match play, preparing them for the same, or in the gym, preparing their bodies and their minds. Often, the player (read: child) knows exactly where he or she stands in terms of longevity, it’s Mom, Dad, and yes, even the dedicated, well-intentioned Coach. If we can save the children from the adults, and allow them to experience the GAME as it was meant to be played, they will flourish and love you for it!
I’ll tell you about the worst example of this sort of behavior I’ve ever witnessed some time. It was 13 years ago, in Ashland, Ohio. Had I not been around the game from the time I was 8, knowing that parents can indeed be insane, absolutely certifiable when it comes to little Julie or Jimmy kicking a ball around the pitch. And then there’s the coach, having never played the game or any other, living vicariously through his children or those he is responsible for…our children!
Take care and best wishes always!
See you in the cheap seats!
CoachZ
216-712-6526
coachz@ultimatesoccertraining.com