From Southern Europe and Asia to the community parks of Calvert County, soccer is a sport that inspires countless children each year to become more dynamic team players and more well-rounded and competitive people. Whether you refer to it as football or soccer, this global game is eagerly played worldwide by millions of people of all ages.

Although we at Calvert Soccer Association believe there are a million reasons to add soccer to your child’s daily schedule, there are five reasons that especially stand out to us. From forging inseparable bonds with teammates, coaches, and mentors to exploring what it means to be a competitive and respectful player, children gain many fundamental life skills when they decide to join a team-focused sport. From emotional maturity to positive physical activity, the benefits are endless.

Here are our top 5 reasons that every child should play soccer:

They learn the value of teamwork.

An invaluable life skill that can change a person’s outlook on their entire life is teamwork. From how you interact on the field to how you collaborate and communicate with your peers in the classroom, teamwork is an essential part of a child’s growth. Through teamwork, children learn how to express themselves, share wins and opportunities with their teammates, and problem-solve with others for a specific end goal. In addition, working as a team allows children to expand their friendships and build confidence in their blooming abilities on and off the field.

They stay physically active.

1 in 5 children in the United States are classified as “obese.” With a continuous rise in all things technology, we, as parents, can lose track of the importance of physical activity in our children’s daily lives. Ideally, children should be active at least an hour a day, no matter their body’s current ability levels. Adding daily exercise to your child’s schedule increases their physical abilities, elevates their confidence, and keeps their body healthy. If you’re looking for a way to keep your child active year-round, we encourage you to consider the benefits of soccer. The best part? We understand the importance of staying active, which is why we offer leagues every season. Yes, even in the winter!

They connect with life-changing coaches and mentors.

At CSA, we pride ourselves on appointing coaches and mentors who make a positive difference in the lives of our youth athletes. From parent volunteers to skilled & licensed soccer coaches, each adult on our team adds a unique perspective and teaching style. We understand that each child thrives in different ways, and not all children learn the same. We also appreciate the significant impact that a coach can have on a child’s overall development. With an overall goal of honoring the game, our coaches have substantially impacted the lives of hundreds of our players throughout the years. One of the most invaluable pieces of playing for CSA is the life-long connections between coaches and players.

They learn about competition while experiencing the complex emotions of wins and losses.

Competition is a complex feeling that every child should experience as they grow and mature. The best place to tap into their competitive edge is on the soccer field. Players can dive headfirst into their competitive spirit, healthily and constructively, whether scoring goals or playing a mean defense. Alongside their teammates and coaching staff, players of all ages and skill levels experience varying levels of competition. From the big wins to tough losses, players understand how competition plays a role in their overall performance and development.

They gain a love and respect for the game.

Nothing makes us smile bigger than new players who develop a deep love of soccer as they play. From learning how to dribble to scoring their first goal and everything in between, the relationship players grow with the sport of soccer is unmatched. As their competitive edge expands and their physical abilities are tested, children begin to develop a deep respect and appreciation for the sport as a whole, understanding that it takes hard work, dedication, and continual learning to be the best they can be.

At Calvert Soccer Association, our mission is simple: we provide organized soccer programs to help youth players develop and achieve their true potential in soccer. We pride ourselves on promoting a positive youth sports culture that teaches life lessons and allows your child to grow into a better player and more dynamic young adult. To learn more about our association or to join our team today, send us a message.