Thanks to the emergence of adult 7v7 soccer leagues and pristine five-a-side fields, Lakeland’s local population is now able to enjoy soccer in more detail. Be it with friends or family members, soccer is a fantastic sport to play for both enjoyment and fitness reasons.
In fact, all over Florida, soccer is gathering momentum. With the World Cup on the horizon, the beautiful game is expected to reach more Americans in the near future. For NFL and NBA fanatics who explore popular options like Blitz’em on SportsMillions and make shrewd moves in fantasy games, the appeal of soccer might not be evident. It’s the most popular sport in the world for a reason, though.
Even if you don’t have a Premier League team to support or you simply aren’t interested in watching the World Cup when it comes to this part of the world, soccer is still an enjoyable sport to play. In case you need further convincing, though, then below we assess some key reasons why an increasing number of Lakeland’s locals are discovering soccer.
The sport’s social aspect
First and foremost, when soccer players are done scoring goals and putting in heavy tackles, it’s a sport that is known to have a strong social aspect. Particularly in Europe, soccer teams engage in social events and enjoy post-match pints in pubs. The same type of scenario can be found in many teams in and around Lakeland, as people bond and form social connections alongside reigning supreme on the field of play.
It’s fun to play
Nobody wants to play a boring sport that isn’t for them. Soccer, though, definitely isn’t dull. A fast-flowing sport where goals are scored, and games can change in an instant, it’s an extremely fun sport to bring into your life. Even if you’re a goalkeeper, you’ll have shots to save, while defenders have match-winning tackles to pull off. Sure, the thrill of scoring a goal is hard to beat, but every position has its merits. Wherever you’re placed on the field, you can expect to have a lot of fun.
A great workout
Soccer is also a great workout for the body. Working on aspects like strength given the various muscles the sport requires and stamina due to soccer’s all-action package, it’s a highly active sport that will put you through your paces. While some sports leave players standing still for a few minutes at a time, soccer is a fast-moving, end-to-end offering that improves aspects like cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Whether you’re looking to keep fit or lose weight, soccer is a good option.
Confidence booster
While this can be leveled at most sports out there, soccer arguably boosts confidence more than most pastimes. A sport that requires teamwork and communication, players have to work together to overcome various challenges, be it a first-half mauling or a player being sent off. In turn, overcoming these soccer-related obstacles can boost a player’s confidence as they feel part of a unit all pushing in the same direction. Likewise, the sport’s aforementioned social aspect can boost confidence as players join a warm and friendly community of players.
A sport for all
Above all else, soccer is for everyone. Where some sports tend to be filled with male or female players, soccer is accessible to a diverse range of people. From children with energy to burn to senior adults playing walking soccer, it’s a sport for all. Additionally, even if you’ve never played soccer before or you’re a skilled player with a great deal of experience behind you, there’s a team out there desperate to have you.
By: Chris Bates
