Even if your kid loves watching soccer on TV, it’s important for them to realize that there are other dimensions to the game that they can enjoy, which, in fact, could actually enhance their experience
Even if your kid loves watching soccer on TV, it’s important for them to realize that there are other dimensions to the game that they can enjoy, which, in fact, could actually enhance their experience even further.
Of course, this will mean leaving the comfort and convenience of the couch, but this effort will soon fade into the background when genuine excitement and thrills kick in.
1. Having a kick around in your yard
If your kid is a bit of a loner, they can still enjoy soccer and the challenges that come with it. For instance, controlling the ball and performing sporting tricks to show family members or even trying to improve on personal targets can be immensely entertaining.
Undoubtedly, it’s far better, safer, and easier if your kid has a soccer ball the right size for them. A lot of people don’t realize that there are variants in ball sizes that progress as children move toward adulthood. Providing your kid with an adult-sized ball isn’t a good idea, as they could hurt themselves due to the size and weight of the ball.
2. Getting involved with a local team or club
However, if your kid is a lot more sociable but has exhausted the enthusiasm for kicking a ball around the yard either on their own or with friends—or at least for the time being, a more challenging approach may have to be offered.
This is where you can help them get involved with a local team or soccer club for their age group. This way, they’ll have access to a soccer trainer or coach and be playing with other kids their own age who may have more skills or know different techniques for them to learn.
3. Going to a real soccer match
The ultimate level of enjoyment is taking them to see a live soccer match that involves professional soccer players. Soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing all the excitement as well as the highs and lows as they happen on the pitch is enough to capture the imagination of any kid and provide lasting memories—especially if their favorite team wins on the day.
Although you may feel that they get a taste of how a real soccer match will feel from watching one on TV, it pales in comparison to actually experiencing one in the flesh. The noise level alone can be immense, and there’s a real wave of shared emotion when goals, penalties, and fouls happen, and the referee has to get involved.
So, to wrap it all up
Your kid may like watching soccer matches on TV or may even enjoy playing the odd soccer PC or console game, but it’s nothing compared to harnessing the skills required to play soccer in the open air. It’s likely that once your kid tries this and experiences the thrill of learning new moves as well as sharing their newfound knowledge with their friends and family, they’ll want to join a club or local team to learn more moves and skills.
Of course, the ultimate reward would be to take them to a real soccer match between professional soccer teams. This way, your kid will be able to experience all the drama for themselves as it unfolds before their eyes and feel themselves getting carried away by the emotional tide of the crowds that accompany them.