The REAL Power Of Soccer

soccerWhen it comes to “good things for you” there are a lot of different things you should be doing. Everyone knows that for overall health, it is vital to eat right, stay active, and try to maintain a stress-free lifestyle. What you may not realize is that when it comes to staying healthy and active, there is a sport that you can play which tops all others for both children and adults who want to be in better shape. It is the game of soccer and if you have not explored the real power of soccer, perhaps it is time for you to do so.

For the Love of Soccer

soccer in the backyardDid you know that soccer, or football, is a game that is played throughout the world? It is undeniably the most popular sport no matter where you are located. It is a team sport and it is played by using any part of your body, expect your hands, to move the ball from one side of the field to the other. People of all ages can play it and virtually anyone can be good at it; even a child who may be behind the growth curve or has special needs can play this team sport.

Health Benefits of Soccer

Some of the biggest health benefits associated with soccer include, cardiovascular health, muscle tone, flexibility and strength, endurance, and lowers your overall body fat. It is, in essence, an aerobic activity that works your entire body at one time, but the benefits do not stop there. It can also improve your coordination, concentration, and self-discipline, which is why most people say that it is an excellent game for kids to play. Especially if you consider that most all kids love kicking a ball, doing tricks, and showing off their “skills” to those who they feel may be impressed by them. It gives them a way to kick, learn, and socialize as a group of as many people as 11 per team, which is the typical number of teammates playing on the field at one time on a professional level.

Mental Benefits of Playing Soccer

soccer and teamwork

The most important thing for people to have, whether young or old, is self-confidence. By attempting to learn how to play soccer, kids and more can gain this one thing. It is a sport that is very easy to learn, and it does not require a lot of special gear or equipment. Therefore, kids who may feel that they are unable to do anything, will feel as though they have climbed a mountain when they pick up the rules of the game with ease. This game is also adaptable, which means that a group of children in the neighborhood can get together in the back yard to play it. Adults who are in the park can also group up for a game if they want to. It is a fun game, that allows you to meet new people, stay active, and make new friends while you are doing it. What could possibly be better than that?

Tournament Field Preparation

soccer field playersSoccer and all other outdoor sports require a little personal touch to ensure that visitors who show up are comfortable while watching the event. It also means putting effort into the field to make sure that players know where they are on the field. This tournament field preparation is something that must be done in most cases before each game is played.

Why Prepare the Field?

soccer fieldSoccer is a game that is played with a set number of players. They run the ball from one end of the field to the other. From the stands, people can see that they are closer to here than there, but there are certain things that must be set up for the players who are running the ball and unable to see the entire field in a single glance.
For instance, the goal. If it is slightly off to one side of the field, how will they know until they are in the middle of a large kick that should launch the ball toward it, enabling them to take home the win? They are trained to know how to position their body to reach the goal. If the goal is off, their kick may be as well. These players may aim for cones that are in the corners. What happens if they aren’t there? It causes confusion, and no one wants that when they are trying to take home a championship.
Players also depend on lines that are along the field to tell them where they are positioned on the field. These lines tell them when they are halfway to their goal or out of bounds. Without it, calls from the referee will be harder to challenge and agree with. Not just for the players but for those in the stands supporting them.

Prepping the Field

preparations of a field for soccerField preparations often include lining the fields, putting nets up, cones in the corners of the playing field, and more. Each part of it must be measured out and tested for accuracy. Sound systems and such also need to be tested to make sure they are working properly. If it is an open-air arena, the field owners must also worry about the pests that may annoy players on the field and spectators in the stands.
Some fields use sprays to eliminate potential pests from the field of play. Others, like us, use an even better option. We got our propane mosquito traps here: https://propanemosquitotraps.com and have never regretted our decision to use them. It works well and you do not have anyone ever complaining about the mosquito bites or gnats that are out in swarms.

Let the Game Begin!

It takes a lot to own a successful soccer field that people actually want to visit. However, we have discovered that once you eliminate the bugs, prepare the field, and provide cold drinks and hot food, everyone is more content. The players will look forward to playing on the field and spectators will be happy that they are so comfortable while there. There is no downside to it and our ticket sales have soared.

Locking Up Soccer Fields with Rolling Gates

soccer ballsThere are certain times of the day and night that you can visit virtually every area that you could ever want to go. The same is true for soccer fields. For the most part, they are always open to ensure that families and friends can go when they want to and spend time together. However, there are times when locking up soccer fields with rolling gates may also be necessary.

The Reasons A Field May be Locked

flooded fieldA soccer field is not like a store or a gym where it has specific hours of operation and there are people there to watch it when it is “open”. This means that often, a field may be open to everyone 24/7. However, there are times and situations that may make it hard for the field to be open to those who want to play. There are bathrooms that may have been vandalized by rowdy teens who are simply there to make trouble. They may leave their trash on the field, paint on the bleachers, and more. It could be a reason for the county to close it down during the evening hours to prevent having to worry and repair what is damaged.

Beyond that, you may also have times when the weather is very bad. Summer storms daily or a very large amount of rain. Since people playing on a field when it is very wet can damage the field, it may need to be closed off to ensure that it will be usable when things dry out. It may need to be closed during times when lawn care is being taken care of to ensure that everyone remains safely away from tractors, lawn mowers, and chemicals. There are many reasons that a field may have to be closed, but doing so is not always an easy task.

Closing the Field

families playing soccerOne of the biggest challenges to closing a field is ensuring that no one can sneak in when they do not need to. Often, this requires a fence and a gate of some type. Ideally, the gate will be something that can be locked. It can be a small gate, or a larger, cheaper gate option like the driveway gates that are now available. These driveway gates can be locked when needed. They can swing open to allow vehicles on the field. You may choose a double gate or a larger, single gate. Both have their own unique purpose. If you want to increase your security, you can also have it set so that the gate does not open without some type of code being put in. There is also the option of a clicker in the vehicles that may need access to open it.

Its All About the Players

Some people may feel that the soccer field should always be open. In ways, this could be true. However, when you really think about it; it is good that it can be closed. Kids and families go there to play. If a person damages the field, stands, or facilities that are on site, the soccer field will not be viewed as a great place to play. Kids could get hurt running on the field chasing and kicking their ball. They could get hurt by the trash that people leave behind. They may not have a bathroom to visit, and more. In general, it could take away a lot of the fun that people of all ages could have while playing soccer, and no one wants that to happen.

Bringing Baby to Tournaments

large families The soccer mom lifestyle will never go out of style. It is great to encourage kids to get out there and participate in sports. It gets them out of the house and there is a huge sense of pride when you see them playing well out on the field. However, for some parents, it is a little complicated to get to every game. Mostly it is the parents who have multiple kids at home that they have to take along with them. Babies are especially “hard”, but it is possible to consider bringing baby to tournaments.

Today’s Busy Family

bubble blowing from sidelinesWe spend our lives hurrying from one area to another. Most parents have jobs to deal with during the day. They have large families with kids of all age groups. They want family time and game nights at home, but they also want their children to have friends to spend time with outside of the home. We encourage children to put down the phones and tablets that they are addicted to and enjoy playing sports to ensure that they are healthy, active children. It is not always easy to juggle work, home, errands, smaller children, and little league, but with a little planning, it is possible.

Sports for All


Moms who are workers, errand runners, and car-poolers to sporting events with their older children all have a common issue with taking younger children out to watch the soccer events. It is good to let younger kids see the activities on the field, but it doesn’t always seem like they want to cooperate. Naps run too long, cranky toddlers can happen, and more issues than we can imagine may come up with those younger children. It becomes stressful, but a true “soccer mom” can get a handle on it, despite the adversity of a toddler going through the terrible twos. You simply have to figure out what works. For instance, a rowdy toddler, may not want to sit in the stands watching their older sibling out on the field. You can set up a blanket with some small toys on the ground where they can play safely while you watch the action. If you have a baby, you can make it look easier with a baby carrier that is basket shaped because your little bundle will be able to nap by your side and stay hidden from the sun’s rays by a blanket.

Enjoy Watching the Biggest Games

soccer momJust because you have a few children, doesn’t mean that you can have an excuse to avoid going to the games your older children are taking part in. It is important that you be there to show your support. As a soccer mom, or dad, you have to have it all together. The best way to have it all together is to know what it takes to keep all your kids happy and actively showing their own support for their older siblings. You can be “that mom” who kicks butt on the sidelines and proves that all other moms can rock as a soccer mom, too.

Soccer & Motor Skills

kids and soccerParents all want what is best for their child. However, sometimes knowing what is best for them is not always easy. For instance, sports. Parents hate to see their child get hurt, so most sports are not “ideal”. Most also realize that their child may need sports to help their child develop motor skills and socialization skills. This makes things complicated at times. The one exception to this rule is that soccer is both non-violent and perfect for kids of all ages. There are also those who feel that soccer and motor skills go hand in hand.

Why Children Need Sports

Sports offer a lot of benefits to children of all ages. It can help them to become more social, learn how to follow rules, provides positive feedback, and teaches them that teamwork is a great thing, but it goes further than that. Children who play some type of sport also have better hand/eye coordination, better balance, less risk of being overweight, and more. This means that their motor skills are often accelerated, and they are able to do things faster than children who do not participate in sports.

Soccer and Children

toddler playing soccerIf you look at a toddler, you will notice that most all of them will learn to kick a ball at about the same time that they learn to walk. It does not take them long to realize that when they move one foot forward, things happen. Therefore, soccer is a natural sport that does not feel as though they are having to “learn”. Soccer goes beyond the kicking a ball though. Some of the best moves in a soccer game require the player to use their knees and other body parts to move the ball forward. Any part of their body is allowed except for their hands. They have to think ahead of time and quickly, while balancing to kick, knee, or headbutt the ball to the other end of the field. It is an all around great workout for a child’s motor skill development.

Other Benefits to Soccer

soccer and teamworkIf you have ever taken a child for a “well-baby” checkup, you know that pediatricians look for certain benchmarks in their motor skill development. Can they grip tightly? Are they able to pinch and pick up items? Can they stack blocks, hop, or do other things that children should be able to do? If your child is unable to achieve any of these motor skills, they may have trouble. Your pediatrician may talk to you about sensory processing disorder facts and recommend things that may improve your child’s motor skill development. If you build off the child’s natural desire to kick, run, and play; you may be saving yourself from all of the concerns that come along with not reaching those benchmarks. They will reach them ahead of time and have a great time while doing so. They will also learn important social skills along the way, which will also help them when they are in school and at play in the park. Can you think of anything better for your child?