| Children want to play soccer, but is it safe? You | | | | never be judged by their performance, nor should |
| must ask yourself a few questions. Safer than what? | | | | they ever feel that it is. |
| Safer than not having physical activity in their life? | | | | Your child will need proper equipment to remain safe |
| Safer than them falling off of their bike? Safer than | | | | during the game. A good pair of cleats is important |
| them tripping over their shoe lace falling on their way | | | | for traction. Shin guards must be worn at all times. |
| to school? Safer than them not learning skills to work | | | | They protect the leg from broken bones as well as |
| as a team? All children are going to, at some point, | | | | bruises. Mouth guards are optional but they do help |
| get hurt. It is impossible to avoid that, so you really | | | | to prevent dental injuries. They do however, |
| need to decide if the pros of allowing them to play | | | | interfere with verbal communication which is why not |
| soccer, outweigh the cons. | | | | many children choose to wear them. You should also |
| Soccer teaches children to work as a team, achieve | | | | buy a ball for your child to practice with that is a size |
| goals and maintain good sportsmanship. Soccer is an | | | | that is appropriate for them. |
| outstanding form of physical activity and yet it is fun | | | | A very important part of soccer is the soccer goals |
| for them at the same time. Physical activity in children | | | | and making sure your child is playing with safe goals |
| is just as important as adults and getting active early | | | | is a crucial one. There has been over 30 deaths since |
| will help them to stay active later in life. Remaining in | | | | 1979 associated with soccer goals, although it is not a |
| good shape is important to their health growing up. | | | | very large number, it is still a statistic that could have |
| Children have fun playing soccer and learn a different | | | | been avoided. Movable soccer goals should only be |
| form of social skill. It allows them to make friends | | | | used on a level playing field and they should be |
| with other children that want to do more than watch | | | | anchored at all times. The nets should be removed |
| television. Soccer is an unpredictable sport which | | | | when not in use and these should be taken down for |
| teaches them quick thinking, problem solving and self | | | | seasonable storage. Soccer goals can fall over on |
| motivation. | | | | children. It is rare, but it is possible. |
| It is important however that parents really take the | | | | It is important for your child to be active and make |
| time to interview and pick a coach that wants their | | | | friends and although there is always a risk of injury, |
| team to learn skills and have fun; not just have a | | | | there can be an equal opportunity of risk doing |
| "win or else" mentality. Coaches should encourage | | | | something else. Soccer is a great sport for children to |
| parental involvement, not over train and never judge | | | | play. |
| skill by perfection standards. A child's value should | | | | |