In recent conversations, a friend of SoccerTee’s made a valid point. He stated that in the United States, when our children are old enough to raise their head we put something in their hands whether that be a ball, a phone, food, or just something to keep them occupied. When in other countries at a very young age children are told to focus on their feet. A soccer ball is one of the first things they ever know. That is a lifestyle for many kids in other countries, but why is soccer something that is put on the back burner here in the states?

In the United States, children at early ages are being forced into competitive leagues, skills sessions, conditioning classes, and training sessions. Forcing our children into these environments is becoming detrimental to their desire and love for the game. When we look at other countries, not all, but some, we see that in the early years’ children are dribbling a soccer ball just for fun and pure entertainment, then their love for the game gradually grows. Here in the United States, soccer is one of the first sports children are introduced to, but it is usually used as a buffer to get kids active and moving until they are old enough to enjoy the “real” sport they are wanting to play.

Another reason why soccer is put on the back burner here in th