Growing Up Soccer

A Soccerball named GUS!

What common qualities did all of the greats of soccer possess? They all had the natural attributes of "touch on the ball," "flair and creativity," speed with ball possession," and "appreciation of the space of play." All things you can't teach, yet all qualities that can be acquired through free play.

So, Mom and Dad, if you have a child or children in the 4 to 7 year old age range, here’s what you should do. Go to your nearest department store or sport retailer and buy a soccer ball, at least 1 each per child. And don’t buy a regulation #5, #4, or #3 size ball; they're way too big. Buy a #1 ball, or what is commonly referred to as a mini ball; they’re 5 or 6 inches across and get the wildest ball colors and designs you can find. The price of a brand named mini ball can range between $7 to $12; no more. They're so inexpensive; you could buy 2 or 3.

Then go home and kick them out into the backyard and just watch your child's natural gravitation towards and a developing appreciation of a very friendly soccer ball. Call the ball GUS! You may want to engage in an early personal demonstration by moving the ball around, then just pull back, step aside and watch your child from a distance self experiment with the ball. The rest, as they say, is history.

This self-fulfillment and personal accomplishment will lead to self-motivation, which will remain with your child for life. When you can, send us your feedback through: www.growingupsoccer.org/form-feedback.html