5 of 12

Write now Article Tools

"He passes it, the shot, he scores! GOOOOOAL! What a beautiful shot, what a beautiful game!" Upon hearing this, many Americans would think the quote came from a hockey game. Others might not even know who said it and why. In contrast, someone from England or Brazil or Mexico would immediately attribute the saying to an exciting goal in the great game of soccer. Soccer, to say the least, probably contains the most athletic of athletes and the most loyal and devoted fans of all sports. Sadly, in today's era, Americans have shunned soccer in favor of more physical and powerful sports such as football and hockey, as well as baseball and basketball. However, in these sports, mostly strong and tall players dominate the professional leagues and are hailed as great athletes because of their size. In soccer, everyone can play because the game doesn't cater to only large players (size can even be a detriment at times in this sport because of a high necessity of coordination and skill).
To play the game, players simply need a ball and each other, and maybe a few cones to set up goals. Professional matches last over ninety minutes long, with nonstop action for forty-five minute halves, making the game more excitable for the fans. Also, because eleven players play and get to control the ball throughout the game, soccer brings enjoyment to everyone. But even this amount of players isn't necessary, and a lesser number will not hinder the excitement of the game if players so choose to play with less on the pitch.
Besides providing great enjoyment and competition, expert sports nutritionists maintain that soccer players develop great levels of endurance and overall body health. According to sports psychologists, the game of soccer also develops high levels of teamwork and cooperation since a great number of players must coordinate and work together on strategies.
All in all, soccer brings excitement to both players and fans, and its simple gameplay and materials make it easy to start a game anywhere at any time. American national teams notoriously win many international sports competitions, but in soccer, America can barely prove it deserves to play there. Join the soccer faithful in America today and help re-build the world's most popular, exciting sport in the United States before we lose the beautiful game forever.

Learn more about this author, Martin Reftorr.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Reasons to play and support soccer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!