There is hardly a better sport on this planet that can help your child in both physical and mental development. Unlike other team sports, in soccer satisfaction comes immediately - watch any 2, 3 or 4 year old toddler kicking the ball around and smiling. For a child at that age, a ball that is moving after the kick is confirmation that she/he can change the world around them! Well, maybe not change the world, but they can certainly impress mom and dad, which for a toddler is much more important than changing the world, anyway!

You are the first and most important person that your child wants to impress. You are the one that has to recognize your child's efforts. That is your main role here - get involved.

It doesn't matter if you are 7 or 77 years old - all of us are looking for recognition throughout our life. If you think that children are different - think again. Depending on the child's age, they might want to impress you, a coach, teammates, other parents, neighbors, girlfriends or boyfriends.

This game could mean to your child more than you think - make sure that you are around...

In the world that we live in, competition is fierce. But life has many rewards for those who can persist...

Well, in soccer it's pretty much the same. In many ways, this game is a perfect imitation of life - it teaches you all the ups and downs - how to win, how to lose.To respect, to fight, to accept. How to fall down, how to get up. And how to keep running. That is the priceless value of soccer...

Luckily, through fun and at an early age - no other game can do that...

If you practice an active lifestyle, awesome. If not - it's time to start! Grab that ball and get outside. You never played soccer before? Who cares! Be there with your child, toss the ball so he/she can practice trapping , heading and passing back to you. Or do some dribbling. Find some wall and ask your child to practice shooting. Don't worry, your not going to get injured. Just keep your eyes open! And just in case, grab some light ball, eh?

Remember: your child needs a lot of touches with the ball!