Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the world. But why so much love for a round ball? Read on to find some answers that might interest you and your budding footballers.
Every time a major international competition rolls around, our TV screens are plastered with images of kids playing football on makeshift pitches, sometimes even without shoes - proof that football is an incredibly popular sport. And playing it doesn't need a huge investment. Of course for competitive play you need good equipment, but it's still a very accessible sport.
Football is a team sport where you end up rubbing shoulders with people from all walks of life. Just like school, football teaches you how to function as a part of society.
As a member of a team, you'll develop a sense of team spirit and a drive to do your best for your team mates (or at least, most people will! A few never quite seem to grasp this concept, but that's a different kettle of fish...).
Doing football helps keep you fit. It's a strongly cardio-based activity that uses all sorts of muscles, and not just those in the lower body! Your abs, for example, are really put through their paces during a match. Football is also a good alternative for both relaxing and having fun at the same time.
It's also a sport which helps channel the energy of young people taking part, which is no small thing.
Football encompasses concepts such as pushing yourself to your limits, developing a taste for sport, competitive spirit, and discipline.
Often the values we develop as footballers also help us develop on a personal level, and I think the values conveyed through football are very positive!
I've been passionate about football since I was a kid, and played with a club for several years. During my career, I was never afraid to attack the opponent's goal. I started out as a right/left midfielder before switching to playmaker and then striker. Nowadays I play with friends and colleagues, and still watch all the football I can.