Why Should I Learn to Play Soccer?

You might be asking yourself: why should I learn to play soccer?

At Sports Movement, we’re big on active lifestyles. And soccer is one of our favorite sports!

Why do we think learning how to play soccer is such a great idea?

The truth is, it’s more than just our love for the Beautiful Game. There are many, many reasons we think it’s important for kids to play sports and why we feel soccer is one of the best.

Let’s introduce you to them.

1. It’s a Lot of Fun and Super Active

It can be difficult to get kids interested in constructive ways to unleash their seemingly boundless energy.

And if that energy stays pent up inside of them, it can very quickly lead to distracted or even bad behavior. Often, it interferes with their academic performance too.

The problem is, one of the reasons it’s so difficult to get kids interested in exercise is they think it’s boring.

Fortunately, soccer is a lot of fun.

Yes, there are rules, but you get to run up and down a field kicking ball with your friends!

Which brings us to our second reason…

2. Soccer Helps to Build Lasting Friendships

Do you remember what it was like being a kid? In kindergarten, everyone was your friend – but by the time you start school, it becomes harder to make friends.

This is never a problem when you play sports! All that time spent together on the practice field and playing matches helps kids develop a bond that can last a lifetime.

And when friends play sports together, they tend to bring out the best in each other – both on and off the field.

3. It Develops Teamwork and Leadership Skills

While proximity is one reason teammates tend to become friends, another reason is they’re learning to work together as a team.

Even though being a good player is important for the team to win, it’s not going to matter if you’re trying to go it alone. Unlike football or basketball, soccer doesn’t have plays. You have to work together if you want to win.

This also helps develop leadership skills, which are very important outside of soccer too. Leaders who can work together with their team tend to go very far in life.

4. Soccer Can Help You Improve Your Mood and Self-Esteem

“Why should I learn to play soccer?”

So you keep asking.

Did you know sports are one of the best ways to help improve things like mood and self-esteem?

It’s true! In fact, this is why the World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of exercise for kids every day. And guess how long a kid’s soccer match is?

That’s right – exactly 60 minutes!

Part of it is because exercising the body helps produce lots of good chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine.

On another level, getting rid of all that pent up energy constructively stops it from turning into a bad mood. And if you’re feeling frustrated, playing a game of soccer can be a great release.

As for self-esteem? You’re learning new skills together with your peers, which means you’re growing together as a team. Over time, you get more comfortable with playing in front of other people.

And that quickly spreads into other parts of your life.

5. Sports Can Help You With Anxiety and Depression

Psychologists often say exercise is one of the best ways to help with mental health.

And at Sports Movement, we certainly found that to be true. However, it’s not just about how playing soccer helps you make new friends, improves your mood, and builds your self-esteem up.

Remember what we said about exercise releasing chemicals in your body like serotonin and dopamine? Well, those are the chemicals associated with happiness and feeling good.

Not to mention: having an inactive lifestyle has a very bad effect on anxiety and depression. It’s not going to help you overnight, but the more you play, the more you’ll see the benefits of playing sports in helping you deal with this.

The Benefits of Learning to Play Soccer Will Last a Lifetime

Learning how to play soccer isn’t just going to help you in the short-term – so stop asking yourself “Why should I learn to play soccer?” – and just do it!

And remember: all those benefits will stick with you for the rest of your life.

If you’re interested in learning to play soccer, get in touch! Sports Movement has loads of kids’ soccer programs in Austin for every level.

Plus, if you sign up now, we’ll give you 50% off on your first 2 months!