For a large percentage of people in the world, soccer is THE game to follow or play. In this, the US is playing "catch up".

In the past, children would play the game using a variety of items in place of a ball - a tin can, a small bean bag, a cushion, or some other small but kickable item. The goal mouths would often be marked by two piles of clothes showing the width of the goal. If a ball went between those markers then a goal had been scored.

This version of soccer was played in the streets and back alleys. It was a very simplified version of the larger more highly structured form played in grassed fields or stadiums. But you could play the game anywhere, whether you were rich or poor, what mattered was the standard of your ball skills and understanding of the game's rules and strategies.

This also encouraged team play, as usually the children would try to have an even number of players each side with one person in the goal mouth at each end of their designated pitch area. Ball skills were enhanced by continuous attempts to kick the ball (or whatever object they were using in its place) past the opposing team players and into the goal mouth.

At the same time, individual ball skills were honed to a high level. Sometimes a player would find it possible to move the ball around the ground so skillfully that opposing players found it impossible to get hold of the ball, and these skills were enhanced the more the children played.

It does not require lots of equipment to play soccer, and a person on their own can play alone, doing exercises or tricks with the ball.

I would add, soccer is played with the feet, only, not the arms, requiring much control. The type of football which uses the whole body is called Rugby in Britain, and has a similar version in the US which requires players to wear heavily reinforced kit.

Being able to play with the minimum of equipment in a small space by yourself or with friends makes soccer the simplest of games with the most playability. No wonder so many children enjoy playing it.

Learn more about this author, Carol Noble.
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