Soccer is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports among boys and girls in the United States. Girls, in particular, are taking to soccer, spurred in part by the success of the U.S. Women’s National Team. The work of organizations like the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), is also responsible for children now participating in this sport more than ever before. One of the biggest appeals of soccer compared to other sports is that it is appropriate for kids of all ages, beginning as young as five. Barnes believes soccer can help kids develop a sense of independence and improve decision-making skills. “As compared to other sports,” said Barnes, “soccer teaches kids to think on the run, without having to stop for instructions.” “Of the team sports, soccer is the one that a kid can be successful at a young age,” said Dick Barnes, co-author with Janet Staihar of The Soccer Mom Handbook. “All they have to do is kick the ball.” Barnes believes soccer can help kids develop a sense of independence and improve decision-making skills. “As compared to other sports,” said Barnes, “soccer teaches kids to think on the run, without having to stop for instructions.” The youngest participants generally start out playing a game called “Swarm,” which has fewer rules (or, in soccer, “laws”) and few set positions. Once they get a little older, they can begin to play a more official game of soccer, although the field is generally shorter until they reach fourteen. Girls, in particular, can benefit from increased participation in sports such as soccer. “Females have a lower level of depression, more self-esteem, lower overall use of alcohol and other drugs, and fewer teen pregnancies [because of their participation in sports],” said Bert Mandelbaum, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California and the chief medical officer for the 1999 Women’s World Cup Soccer Team and for the Men’s National Team since 1991. There is, of course, the risk of injury with soccer but most experts agree that the benefits far outweigh the risks. And with proper precautions, children can avoid many common soccer injuries. Predictably, injuries tend to increase with the age and strength of the players. Mandelbaum said injuries among young soccer players between the ages of 5 and 14 are mostly bumps and bruises. Players older than 14 tend to suffer more serious injuries. In comparison to other sports, soccer is relatively safe, particularly if players, parents, and coaches take preventative measures. “A comprehensive, multi-faceted program of prevention can reduce soccer injuries by as much as 75%,” said Mandelbaum. As with adult players, the most common injuries incurred by teen players are knee injuries, ankle sprains, stress fractures, and muscle injuries. Less common injuries include broken shoulders, collarbones, and legs. Knee injuries are some of the most common and most vexing in the sport. According to Mandelbaum, female players are most prone to knee injuries. And, although the reason is still unknown to scientists who have studied the phenomenon, it is most likely the result of a series of neuromuscular and reaction balance issues that are particular to the female anatomy. Boys and men, too, get knee injuries-but at a statistically far lower rate. Controversial to soccer is the debate concerning “heading,” or hitting the ball with one’s head, and whether it leads to short- or long-term head injuries. There is some disagreement among experts regarding the impact of heading. Some doctors remain unconvinced that studies have conclusively determined the answer. Others, including Dr. Pietro Tonino, chief of sports medicine at Loyola University Medical Center, take a more cautious approach. “Head injuries, as a result of heading, are definitely an issue,” said Tonino. “Players should keep them in mind, particularly as they get older.” He recommends children and parents watch for symptoms such as confusion, headaches, and lack of concentration, which may point to potential head injuries. Tonino believes the occasional heading is not as much of an issue as repetitive heading in practice. “Technique, more than headgear, may be the answer,” said Tonino, who emphasizes the importance of less and better heading, particularly since headgear is not likely to be required in the foreseeable future. The best methods of prevention involve a combination of strength training, overall fitness, safe fields (with no holes), ankle taping, pre-season screening for possible injuries, proper protective footwear and gear (such as shin guards), reduction of foul play, and proper diet and hydration. With care, practice, and proper preventative techniques, children can play soccer safely. Not only is it fun, it helps to develop a sense of teamwork and camaraderie among children. So get out there and kick the ball!
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