Susan Linn, Ed. The 1999 Women s World Cup soccer tournament elevated this country s enthusiasm for the world s most popular sport to an unprecedented level. Although the international community abounds with soccer fans, outnumbering those of other sports, the game has never been wholeheartedly embraced by the American public. Both girls and boys across America stand to benefit. During a soccer game, kids are constantly running from one end of the field to the other.
Studies show that exercise has clear physical and psychological benefits.
Children who play soccer regularly are getting in the habit of incorporating regular exercise into their lives. In addition, physical exercise can help combat obesity, which is a national public-health problem for children. It s cooperative. Because passing the ball is essential to success in both offense and defense, players must communicate well and be consistently mindful of their team members whereabouts on the field.