Should Parents Be Afraid to Let Their Kids Play Soccer

While playing any sport has great advantages for kids and their development, there are some potential risks associated with it. Soccer is one of the most popular sports that allows kids to be more productive and energetic, however, it has become a bit controversial.

Many parents are afraid to let their kids play soccer given some of the safety risks associated with the sport. Here are some of the pros and cons of playing soccer that might help parents decide whether they should afraid to let their kids play soccer.

Pros of soccer

There are numerous benefits to playing soccer, especially for kids. Some of the most crucial ones are specified below.

Kids can become familiar with different cultures

Soccer is a vastly popular game that is played in many countries across the world. Through learning about the sport and watching other leagues around the world, kids can become exposed to different cultures.

Moreover, as kids became involved in the game, they would likely choose a favorite soccer player. This would ignite curiosity to learn more about the athlete, their culture, and their traditions. All of this would increase your kids' general knowledge and curiosity, which would help them in their lives outside of soccer.

Kids learn work ethics

Soccer is a sport that requires commitment and dedication. Kids will have to practice a lot before they can step out in the field. Regular practice teaches kids the importance of commitment, persistence, and patience.

Soccer can help to develop proper work ethics, which would not only help kids on the field but in their practical lives as well, such as in school, in jobs, or even at home.

Kids learn to control their emotions

Winning and losing are a big part of soccer, and both outcomes can allow kids to practice controlling their emotions. Kids experience many different emotions while playing the sport; they can be sad that they lost a game, disappointed in how they played, or happy to celebrate a win with their team. However, kids soon learn that all of these emotions are just part of the game and that they have the power to control them.

Having control over our emotions is necessary even in practical life, as impulsive, emotion-driven decisions can cause significant problems. The emotional aspect of the sport is another example of how kids can use the tools learned in soccer and apply them to other areas of their lives. 

There are significant health benefits

Soccer is a fast-paced game that requires extensive sprinting and kicking. All of these explosive movements help kids to stay in shape and increases physical health.

Soccer helps to build every muscle in the body, given that the sport uses a variety of movements and skills. It also can increase kids' bone density, which helps them to stay fit and healthy for a longer period of time.

Soccer can be beneficial for kids' overall health as well. Nowadays, kids are busy playing video games or watching cartoons on their tablets, phones, and other screens, which can lead to a stagnant lifestyle and more serious health problems later in life. Soccer allows kids to step away from the screens and get outside to play!

Kids learn how to socialize

As kids interact with coaches and teammates while playing soccer, it helps them learn how to socialize both with other kids and adults. It can be extremely beneficial for shy kids in particular who might need more practice to be comfortable in a social setting. Since soccer is also often played in front of fans, kids can become more confident and outgoing.

Cons of soccer

A few of the cons of playing soccer are specified below.

Injury

The major concern parents have when it comes to soccer is the risk of injury. Many injuries that occur in soccer however are infrequent, and preventable. 

The rules of soccer prohibit players from reckless behavior that causes injury, require specific safety equipment, and punish players who engage in foul play. Additionally, good coaches will teach players how to play the game safely for themselves and others. If all players follow these guidelines, injury does not have to be a major concern of playing the sport.

Bad coaching

Another con of playing soccer is that kids could get a bad coach. Bad coaches can cause kids to become demotivated and derailed. Many coaches only care about winning and not about effort or education.

Bad coaching, however, is not the standard in soccer, and it is way more likely that kids have good coaches who teach valuable life lessons and skills. Good coaches can become important mentors in kids' lives who set them up for great success. The likelihood of having a good coach in soccer heavily outweighs the small risk of having a bad one. 

While parents still might have a few concerns about letting their kids play soccer, there are numerous benefits to consider when deciding whether to let kids try the sport. Sports overall can teach teamwork, confidence, mental toughness, and the importance of health, and soccer is clearly no different.