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Soccer Instills Positive Benefits in Youth

In today's society, there are many ways that the youth can spend their free time. Some of these pastimes chosen by youth are of little value, such as playing video games or watching television. Other ways young people may choose to pass the time may even be harmful or criminal, such as drug and alcohol use, or theft and vandalism. Parents should encourage their children to participate in positive recreational activities during the children's free time. One good example of such an activity is the sport of soccer.

Soccer has many positive benefits for young people. The benefits that are the most obvious are the physical benefits. While most forms of exercise or physical exertion are good for a child's physical health, some studies have shown that it is one of the best physical activities a child can participate in. These studies have shown that youth soccer players tend to have greater bone density than children who participate in standard physical education classes. This will not only prevent bone fractures while the child is still young, but may also keep him or her from developing the osteoporosis in later years. Soccer players also have greater lean muscle mass than participants in standard physical education classes, according to these studies.

Soccer is also physically beneficial to young people because it is fun. More young people will willingly participate in physical activity if it is enjoyable. Traditional school physical education programs involving exercises such as jumping jacks are generally boring to children, and therefore the children may not fully participate in the activity. But a game is always fun for children. There is also little training involved, as every child knows how to kick and run. Children can therefore begin playing soccer more quickly than they can begin other sports such as gymnastics.

Soccer also helps youths socially. Children who play learn the importance of teamwork. Teamwork helps children with their peers when they are young, and will also be important in adulthood, in the workplace. Soccer also helps prepare children for life's ups and downs, since it is a competitive sport. Young people learn that they will not always win, and that losing is not the "end of the world". Youths also learn how to accept congratulations on a win without gloating, and to graciously concede a defeat with being a "sore loser". These important social skills will also help in the workplace, once the children are grown up.

Soccer also can sharpen youths mental skills. It requires strategy and planning, and the ability to adapt quickly to a changing situation. This helps youths learn to plan ahead for life events. The ability to adapt to change is vital for everyday life.

Most importantly, soccer provides an alternative to less-desirable pursuits. Youths who are bored, particularly in rural communities, may turn to harmful or illegal activities to alleviate their boredom and pass the time. Some youths may become involved in criminal activities, like becoming gang members or stealing. Other youths may turn to recreational drug or alcohol use, which can quickly escalate into addiction and use of "hard" drugs over time. Random drug testing programs used by many soccer teams help to remove this temptation from youths who already play and enjoy playing soccer.

Any parents who are approached by their children in regards to playing soccer should consider all of these positive benefits. Soccer is a good activity for children to be involved in. The child's physical condition, mental sharpness, and social maturity will benefit greatly from soccer.

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