INTRODUCTION

Soccer (Football)

The sport of soccer (called football in most of the world) is considered to be the world's
most popular sport. In soccer there are two teams of eleven players. Soccer is played on a large
grass field with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to get the soccer ball into the
opposing team's goal. The key to soccer is that, with the exception of the goalie, players cannot
touch the ball with their hands or arms, they can only kick, knee, chest, or head the ball to
advance it or score a goal.
Soccer is played at all levels throughout the world from youth leagues to professional and
international teams. Perhaps the most famous soccer tournament is the World Cup. Held every
four years, the World Cup is a soccer competition between countries and is one of the most
watched events in the world.

One of the reasons soccer is so popular is that it really only takes a ball and a flat open area to
play. Kids throughout the world will set up fields and goals just about anywhere and start
playing the game. The game is also fun and competitive.

Soccer is a great form of exercise as there is lots of running for good distances. The sport is also
a good test of dexterity and a great way to learn balance.
Many people consider soccer at its highest level to be so beautiful as to be practically an art
form. The skill at which great players and great soccer teams work the ball, strategize, and flow
as one can be an awesome thing to watch.

-Kenobi Magno A. Rivera

-Fatima Shariza A. Dawami

11-ABM

Early soccer leagues in the US mostly adopted the name 'football' for their activities, but
confusion between American football and association football resulted in the term
'soccer' being used to describe the latter in the 1910s and early 1920s. Two
professional soccer leagues were started in 1967, the United Soccer Association and
the National Professional Soccer League, which merged to form the North American
Soccer League in 1968. Interest in soccer within the United States continued to grow
and, as part of the United States' bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, US Soccer
pledged to create a professional outdoor league. Major League Soccer duly launched in
1996.

Latter-day continental club tournaments have existed, in various guises, for many years.
Europe's UEFA Champions League and the Americas' CONCACAF Champions League
are perhaps the best known. Interleague club competition can be traced back as far as
the late 19th century, but international club tournaments are a relatively new concept. In
2000, the FIFA Club World Cup was born, a tournament between the winners of the six
continental confederations, as well as the host nation's league champions. Since 2005,
it has become an annual event.

In the late 19th century, only a few national football teams existed, England and
Scotland among them. Germany has been represented in international football
competitions since 1908, while the first US national soccer team was constituted in
1885. Football became an International Olympics Committee-recognised sport in 1900,
but it wasn't until 1930 that FIFA - football's world governing body - decided to stage
their own international tournament, the World Cup. With the exception of cancellations
in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II - the tournament has taken place every four years
since.

The UEFA European Football Championship, more commonly known as the Euros, is
the primary association football competition contested by the senior men's national
teams of the members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA),
determining the continental champion of Europe. It is held every four years, in the even-
numbered year between World Cups. The first edition took place in 1960. The
CONCACAF Gold Cup, the main association football competition of the men's national
football teams governed by The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean
Association Football (CONCACAF), determining the continental champion of North
America, Central America, and the Caribbean, is staged every two years.

Today 211 national associations are members of FIFA, football's world governing body.
The world regions are divided into six confederations: Confédération Africaine de
Football (CAF), Asian Football Confederation (AFC), UEFA, CONCACAF, Oceania
Football Confederation (OFC), and Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol
(CONMEBOL). While 32 countries took part in World Cup qualifying in 1934, that
number has risen to over 200, reflecting football’s standing as a truly global
phenomenon.
 What are the Rules and
Regulations of Soccer?
The often-questioned offside rule is just one of the regulations that
define how soccer is played, but what about the other laws that make up
the world's most popular spot? We've got all you need to know to make
sure you're never caught out…

●How many rules does soccer have?

Firstly, soccer has no rules, they are called laws. The Laws of the Game were first
drawn up in 1863, and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) was founded
in 1886 to help apply them universally.

The IFAB was founded by the four British football associations (England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland) and describes itself as "the worldwide body with sole
responsibility for developing and preserving the Laws of the Game." FIFA, soccer's
global governing body, joined IFAB in 1913, and has four representatives.

●What are the Laws of the Game in soccer?

"The Laws of the Game are the same for all football throughout the world from the FIFA
World Cup™ Final through to a game between young children in a remote village,"
states the IFAB, the guardians of the 17 Laws of the Game.
The IFAB insists that the Laws should:

 make the game as safe as possible

 make the game attractive and enjoyable for all, regardless of gender, age, race,
religion etc.

●What do the 17 Laws of the Game cover?

*The list of subjects covered by each law is not exhaustive

Law 1: The Field of Play

- pitch and goal dimensions, field markings, the type of surface,
commercial advertising…
Law 2: The Ball
- qualities and measurements, replacement of a defective ball, additional
balls
Law 3: The Players
- the number of players, substitutes, team captains…
Law 4: The Players' equipment
- compulsory equipment, colours, other equipment…
Law 5: The Referee
- powers and duties, Video Assistant Referee (VAR), referee's equipment,
referee signals…
Law 6: The Other Match Officials
- assistant referees, fourth official, assistant referee signals…
Law 7: The Duration of the Match
- periods of play, half-time interval, allowance for time lost…
Law 8: The Start and Restart of play
- kick-off…
Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play
- throw-ins...
Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match
 - goal scored, winning team, kicks from the penalty mark (penalty shoot-
out)
Law 11: Offside
- offside position, offside offence, no offence, sanctions
Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct
- direct and indirect free-kick, disciplinary action…
Law 13: Free-kick
- types of free-kick, procedure, offences and sanctions
Law 14: The Penalty Kick
- procedure, offences and sanctions…
Law 15: The Throw-in
- procedure, offences and sanctions
Law 16: The Goal Kick
- procedure, offences and sanctions
Law 17: The Corner Kick
- procedure, offences and sanctions

Is there a Law for every situation in soccer?

No. Though the Laws cover a lot of situations specifically, e.g. the penalty kick or throw-in
procedure, others are open to interpretation, such as referees deciding what is "careless, reckless
or using excessive force" when considering what is a foul.

As the IFAB themselves state: "Referees should apply the Laws within the 'spirit' of the game to
help produce fair and safe matches." To explain the 'spirit' of the game, they add, "This often
involves asking the question, 'What would football want/expect?'"

Do Soccer rules ever change?

The IFAB have, traditionally, been resistant to major changes, but since the 2016/17 revision of
the Laws of the Game, they have "started the most far-reaching and comprehensive period of
Law changes in The IFAB's history."

The aim of the changes is to "make the Laws clearer, more accessible and reflect the needs of the
modern game at all levels."

This has involved allowing changes to be made that do not fit the idea of the universal nature of
the Laws, for example, introducing 'sin bins' in youth, veteran and disabled football, or
shortening match durations and reducing pitch and goal sizes for young players.

The offside law, for example, has been changed a number of times, in 1925, 1990 and again in
2005. While the outlawing of goalkeepers handling back-passes (1992), the introduction of an
automatic red card for a tackle from behind (1998) and the use of goal-line technology (2012) are
all examples of significant innovations in the Laws of the Game.

The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in 2018 has been the most radical change
to the Laws at the highest level of the game for many years, and - arguably - ever. This means
on-pitch referees now benefit from the advice of a colleague, who can watch TV replays of
incidents the officials in the stadium might have missed or got wrong.

How does IFAB change Soccer rules?

Each of the four British football associations has a vote, while FIFA has four votes. A
three-quarters majority is required for a motion to be passed. The IFAB meets annually.
 The Basics: Soccer Training
Equipment Your Child Needs

A basic understanding of soccer equipment and their uses makes the shopping trip a little easier.
At the youth soccer level, the equipment is relatively straightforward and easy to find. Here are
the things your child needs to play the sport:

 Uniform: Most youth soccer leagues require a standard uniform for all players. This might
range from a simple T-shirt to a complete soccer uniform with matching jersey, shorts and
socks. Some leagues issue the uniform to players, while others require you to order the
uniform yourself.

 Practice clothes: Uniforms are typically reserved for wear in games only, so your little
kicker needs comfortable athletic clothes for soccer practice. Choose clothes that allow a
full range of motion. Sweat-wicking material keeps your child cool and dry during sweaty
warm-weather practices.

 Soccer cleats: When your child plays in an organized league, you likely need soccer-
specific cleats. These shoes are designed for the sport to give your soccer player the support
and traction necessary in the game.

 Shin guards: Protective shin guards are another requirement in most leagues. They rest at
the front of the shin to protect from errant kicks and fast-moving balls.

 Soccer socks: Just like your child needs special shoes, she also needs special socks designed
for soccer. The long socks go up and over the shin guards.
 Ball: Your child’s coach may provide balls during practice, but it’s always a good idea to
have a quality soccer ball of your own so you can practice at home. Invest in a high-quality
ball instead of a cheap foam ball that doesn’t give your player a real feel for soccer play.

 Goalkeeper gloves: If your child is interested in playing goalkeeper, consider investing in a
pair of goalkeeper gloves. These special gloves are designed to support the wrists while
allowing freedom of movement in the fingers. If your child is young, the league may not
play with goalies just yet, so hold off on the gloves until you know if your child will
actually play the goalkeeper role.

 Water bottle: Soccer players spend a lot of time running up and down the field. The soccer
season often falls during warm weather. Hydration is important, so outfit your child with her
own water bottle. Write her name on the bottle to avoid mix-ups on the bench.

 Gear bag: A backpack or tote bag designed for soccer makes it easy to carry all that gear to
practices and games. These specialty bags typically include a spot for a soccer ball and all
the other gear your child needs.

Picking the Right Soccer Cleats

One of the most important items on the soccer equipment list is the soccer cleats. They are
athletic shoes designed specifically with the needs of soccer players in mind. Choosing soccer
cleats over other types of athletic shoes ensures your child gets the highest level of support and
protection. Soccer requires lots of quick movements, direction changes and kicking. Soccer
shoes address those needs.

When you head to the soccer cleat section, you’ll see a lot of different styles, colors and
designs. While your junior soccer player will likely only care about the color and look of the
cleats, you need to look a little deeper to choose a shoe that keeps your child safe during soccer
games and practices.

Before getting into cleat selection tips, let’s explore the parts of the soccer shoe:

 Upper: The upper of the soccer shoe is the top portion that includes the material covering
the foot. It attaches to the sole and midsole.

 Insole: The insole is the inner area where the foot rests. It includes the cushioning and
support inside the shoe.

 Outsole: The outsole is the outer sole area where you find the studs or spikes.

 Heel counter: This is the back section of the soccer shoe and acts as a support for the heels.
When choosing soccer cleats for your child consider their material. The uppers come in a
variety of material types, each with pros and cons. Real leather molds to the foot for a custom fit
and offers a distinct feel with the ball. Synthetic leather is often more affordable, and companies
are working hard to make synthetic leather cleats feel more like genuine leather.
Uppers made out of synthetic materials tend to have less stretch and don’t conform to your foot
the way leather shoes do. The feel on the ball is often different with synthetic materials, but that
difference shouldn’t affect play at the youth level. Synthetic shoes also offer better waterproofing
and are generally durable.
One of the key elements is getting a proper fit. Some athletic shoes offer a looser fit, but soccer
cleats should offer a snug, supportive fit to move with your child through all of the starts and
stops and turning on the soccer field. You don’t want a lot of extra room in the toe of the shoe.
Measure the space between the end of the toes and the tip of the shoe. If the toes touch the end,
your child needs a slightly larger size. If she has a full thumb’s width between her toes and the
end, the shoe is likely too large.
It’s tempting to buy a larger size for your youth player since little feet grow quickly. Don’t give
in to this temptation. Excess length gets in the way and makes it difficult to control the ball. Your
child’s foot may slide around in the shoes and increase the risk of injury. It’s best to buy shoes
that fit well now, and buy new shoes next season if her feet grow.
When your child tries on the soccer cleats, have her stand up, bend over and do other moves she
might do on the soccer field. This helps determine if the shoes fit well and feel comfortable
during those various moves. No matter how much she loves the color or style, don’t buy a pair of
soccer cleats that fit poorly. She’ll pay for it with lots of blisters during the season.

Another consideration is the type of studs on the soccer shoes. The league often heavily regulates
this, especially for younger players. The basic types of soccer cleats include:
 Molded: The studs on molded soccer cleats are formed as part of the outsole without the
option for removal. They typically feature a rubber or hard plastic construction with
between 10 and 14 studs on the shoes. Most youth leagues require molded soccer cleats, as
they are the safest option and are generally recommended for beginners. Molded cleats are
also recommended for play on firm ground.
 Detachable: More advanced players sometimes opt for detachable studs, which are often
ideal in soft ground conditions. The studs are generally either plastic or metal. You can
swap out the studs for different types or lengths based on specific playing conditions. These
types of soccer cleats are generally not safe for use on hard ground, as they can increase the
risk of injury.
 Turf shoes: Another version of the soccer cleat is the turf shoe. They work well on hard
surfaces, indoors or outdoors, and on turf fields. Instead of traditional studs, the shoes
feature raised rubber patterns for grip.
 Indoor soccer shoes: Indoor soccer shoes are essentially lightweight sneakers with a low
cut and a flat rubber sole.
Your best bet for your youth soccer player is a durable pair of molded soccer cleats. These shoes
should meet league requirements and offer a safe footwear option.

Choosing a Soccer Ball

 Soccer balls have two main components: the cover and the bladder. The cover consists of
panels of durable material, usually PVC or polyurethane, stitched together in a rounded shape.
PVC soccer balls work well for youth soccer players because they are durable, resist scuffing and
are generally the most affordable option. Polyurethane balls are generally softer with better
responsiveness, which is why the material is typically used on higher-end balls.
The bladder is the inner component that holds the air. Bladders are usually made of either butyl
or latex. Butyl bladders tend to offer better air retention and hold their shape better than latex.
Natural latex bladders are more common in premium soccer balls and have a softer feel that
some players prefer. For your youth player, a PVC ball with a butyl bladder is the most practical,
affordable option.
A ball seems like a straightforward purchase, but soccer balls come in multiple sizes. The
specific size your child needs typically depends on her age and level of soccer play. As she gets
older, she uses a larger soccer ball.
Soccer ball sizing runs from size 1 to size 5. The larger the size number, the larger the
circumference of the ball. Most youth players use anywhere from a size 3 to a size 5 depending
on the age group and league regulations. Size 1 balls are sometimes used as skills balls to focus
on footwork and ball control, but most youth soccer players don’t use them.

Below is a size chart for soccer balls based on size:

 Size 1: 18 to 20-inch circumference

 Size 3: 23 to 24-inch circumference

 Size 4: 25 to 26-inch circumference

 Size 5: 27 to 28-inch circumference

Youth players ages 8 and younger typically use a size 3 soccer ball. The smaller size makes the
ball easier for young kids to control. Size 4 balls are generally used by soccer players ages 8 to
12. At age 13 and above, soccer players typically use a size 5 ball, which is the full-size soccer
ball used by adults and professional soccer players.
Before purchasing a soccer ball for your child, check with the league to determine what size her
age group uses in practices and games. Buy the same size so she gets used to the sizing when she
practices.
Once you know the sizing, check out the options in that range. Training soccer balls work on
various surfaces and are quite durable, making them a good investment for your youth player.
Some soccer balls are designed for turf fields and indoor play. Many youth teams play on grass,
so you won’t need a turf ball. Unless you sign your child up for an indoor soccer league, don’t
choose an indoor ball, as they are designed for less rebound.
Fitting Your Child for Shin Guards
Shin guards play an important role in keeping your child safe on the soccer field. Shins are often
the target of missed kicks or flying balls. While the impact can still hurt and shin guards won’t
prevent all injuries, they can minimize the impact, pain and bruising that can come with regular
soccer contact.
Shin guards have a slightly curved shape to follow the curve of the leg. They cover the front
lower portion of the leg at the shinbone. Shin guards go under the soccer socks.
The guards come in two basic styles. One style is a single piece that slips inside the sock. It stays
in place because of the tight fit of soccer socks. You can also use athletic tape or a special
compression sleeve to keep the shin guards in place. The slip-in style of shin guard allows
greater movement and mobility, but it often doesn’t provide as much protection. Because of this,
advanced players use these shin guards more often.
The other option includes Velcro straps that go behind the leg to hold the shin guard in place.
The Velcro lets you get a snug, secure fit. This style also typically has a stirrup-style strap at the
bottom that goes under the foot to prevent the shin guard from moving up and down during play.
Some shin guards also include ankle protection in the form of padding attached at the bottom.
For younger players, the strap style of shin guard may work best because it won’t shift. They
also tend to offer more coverage. If the straps bother your child, try the slip-in style of shin
guards.
No matter what type of shin guard you choose, getting the proper size is essential to make the
guards effective. Shin guard sizing is based on your child’s height not her clothing size. As the
size increases, the shin guard gets longer and wider to accommodate the larger leg that typically
comes with greater height.

 Small: Fits players up to 5’2” tall

 Medium: Fits players up to 5’10”

 Large: Fits players up to 6’4”

 Extra large: Fits players up to 6’10”

These ranges are general recommendations, but you may find your child needs to go up or down
a size for a proper fit. Look for shin guards that go from a couple inches below the knee to above
the bend of the ankle for the best protection. Check the manufacturer’s sizing chart on the
packaging to select a size for your child, as some brands vary their sizing someone. For instance,
Nike offers youth sizes for younger players. adidas offers an extra small size for younger players.

Extra Training Gear

While not required, some youth players choose to buy special training gear for practicing at
home. These training tools allow for specialized practice at home between official practices. If
your child wants a little extra help, consider the following training items:

 Soccer net: Get an inexpensive soccer net to set up in your backyard, so your child can
practice shooting the soccer ball.

 Speed ladders: As your soccer player gets older, she may want to improve her speed and
agility. A speed ladder is a way to do that at home.

 Cones: A set of cones is an inexpensive way to help your child practice agility and ball
control. Set up the cones, and have her dribble around them to practice direction changes.

 Training balls: You can purchase special balls with cords that connect the soccer ball to the
body. This lets the ball fall at a certain level, so your child can practice ball-handling skills.

Knowing What Your Child Needs

How do you know what your child needs? The first place to check is the league she plays in.
Leagues typically post information about uniforms, the type of cleats allowed, the size of soccer
balls used at different levels and any other equipment needs. It’s important to check league
regulations first to ensure all of the soccer equipment you buy is allowed.

If you’re still not sure what you need, the experts at Schuylkill Valley Sports can help you select
everything from cleats to goalie gloves. We understand the needs of soccer players at all levels.

Buying Soccer Equipment

Buy all of the essentials for soccer before the season starts, so your youth soccer player has
everything needed to play safely from the first practice on. You can find the basic soccer
equipment at a sporting goods store. Buy soccer equipment online for a wide selection of gear.
When buying online, read the description thoroughly to make sure the features match your
child’s needs.
When buying equipment needed for soccer, balancing quality and cost is a smart way to go. You
don’t need to buy the most expensive soccer equipment to keep your child safe. Quality
equipment is available at a variety of price points, making soccer an affordable sport option.
Kids grow quickly, so buying high-end, expensive equipment is oftentimes a waste of money,
since she’ll outgrow it quickly.

Maintaining Soccer Equipment

Many pieces of soccer equipment last across multiple seasons with proper care. While your child
may outgrow her soccer cleats quickly and may need to eventually size up on her shin guards,
you can certainly get a good amount of use out of the equipment.
Use these tips to take care of the equipment for lasting use:

 Keep them clean: Wipe down the soccer ball and shin guards regularly. Clean dirt and mud
off of her cleats after each practice and game. This keeps the equipment looking nice and
lasting longer.

 Use proper inflation: Properly inflating your child’s soccer ball extends its life. Too much
or too little air affects how the ball reacts and can cause damage. The general
recommendation is inflation to 9 to 10.5 pounds of air, but check the listing near the valve
of the ball for an exact amount.

 Store equipment inside: It’s tempting to leave your child’s soccer gear in the car for easy
access, but extreme temperatures weaken equipment, particularly soccer balls. Pack all of
her soccer gear in a bag that you can easily carry to and from the car for practices and
games.

 Avoid excess weight: Weight pressing down on a soccer ball can distort its shape. Remind
your child not to sit on her soccer ball, and keep heavy objects off of it. Weight can damage
other equipment, such as shin guards. Store the equipment in a safe place where nothing
heavy can damage it.

LINKS
https://www.ducksters.com/sports/soccer.php(introduction)
phttps://www.bundesliga.com/en/faq/all-you-need-to-know-about-soccer/the-history-of-soccer-
10560
https://www.bundesliga.com/en/faq/what-are-the-rules-and-regulations-of-soccer
https://www.svsports.com/blogs/resources/soccer-equipment-checklist

-Kenobi Magno “kenji" A. Rivera

-Fatima Shariza “xaxa" A. Dawami
11-ABM