Spotlight on Youth Football

Updated Feb 24 Juli 2014th

Youth soccer is so widespread, it is almost a rite of passage for American children. And the game is most popular. Is it for your young athlete?

The Bottom Line: Soccer (called "football" outside the United States) is played on a rectangular grass field with a goal at each end. Teams compete to move the goal of the opposing team (or head) pass. Players need to use their feet, heads or torsos in order to propel the ball; The goalkeeper can not use their hands or arms to stop the ball from entering the goal. Children play both (often in mixed teams schools when young).

Age can begin 4 (youth soccer organization of America); 5 (Youth Soccer Association of the United States). Some cities and recreation centers can offer soccer programs for children from the age of 3; The game is easy for children at an early age.

Required / used Skills: Teamwork, endurance, speed, (handling the ball with the feet) agility / footwork

Energy Office (a computer game enjoys), high: ideal for children who are

Season / when played: Spring, Summer, Autumn; throughout the year in many areas; Indoor Soccer Leagues available.

Team or individual two teams of 11 players ;? equipment faces (with fewer players) are common in children under 10 years and let the playing time for each child.

Levels: grouped and school affiliated teams through high school and college. From 7 years, children in many regions the opportunity to enter a competition (displacement) or non-competitive league also not play. Talented players can be selected for the elite leagues, camps, schools or development. The best players can play at the Olympic Games or the professionals in the United States and worldwide teams.

Suitable for children with special needs topsoccer? (USYSA) and VIP (AYSO) leagues for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Children with severe asthma or other chronic health problems have difficulties involved.

Fitness factor: High. All players, except the goalkeeper through most of the game running. Trainers should encourage all children many opportunities to play in the training and games (each child brings to practice his / her own ball to be used in the exercises). Football builds aerobic capacity, leg strength and balance.

Team: football shoes with rubber studs and molded plastic shin guards (looking for the type with integrated ankle protection), jersey, ball (small balls of light are available for children).

Cost: Fees League (up to $ 100 for non-competitive leagues, $ 500 or more for travel teams), equipment, tournament fees (varies considerably, but can cost $ 500 per family per event including fees and costs to achieve).

Time: For younger children, one hour per week (30 minutes Exercise 30 minutes of playback). As a player up, training time and the number of parties increased dramatically. Player of the competition ("Journey") teams are long distances to travel and games, at least one visit of the city tournament season.

Injury surprisingly high. Risks include collisions with other players, ground and contributions; repeated, especially the ankle and knee, especially in girls, master; Heat disorders; and shake (the position of the ball, collisions or falls). The precautions that can be taken by the players, coaches and leagues to reduce the risk. You can get a list of tips for avoiding football injuries Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

How to find a program: school or department your child's city parks can sponsor a league. Or try:

Associations and committees:

If your child likes soccer, try: Basketball (similar stimulation), hockey and lacrosse.