Through playing soccer and encouraging children to exercise regularly, many of the risk factors associated with heart disease such as obesity and diabetes can be reduced significantly. Soccer benefits their overall fitness level and improves their coordination, balance & flexibility, speed & stamina, agility, and ability to think ahead and make quick decisions. Social benefits such as: mixing with others, having to work as a team, working individually toward a collective goal, experiencing emotions involved in the game, striving to be the best, supporting and helping others are all by products of playing soccer. Studies have shown that getting young children involved in soccer at an early stage promotes a healthy attitude towards the game and instills the qualities of a good sportsman. This attitude extends off the field and continues with them into adult life. Soccer can aid in increasing your child's self-esteem, which could drive their performance not only the soccer field but in other areas of their lives as well! Getting your child to participate in an organized soccer school or club can offer tremendous benefits to you and your child.