The Soccer Resource Guide - A Great Cardio Workout

Soccer, as it is known in the United States, is called many different things around the world. In England and in many parts of the globe it is known as football. In Spanish speaking countries it is called futbol. Regardless of what it is called, soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is played in countries both big and small from all ages from 3 and 4 year old kids to adults. The game is also played at various levels from youth games to professional games played for club and country.

With the graceful way that soccer is played, soccer players need skill in dribbling, passing, controlling and shooting the ball. However, because soccer is a game of constant motion, with no time outs, another attribute that players need is stamina. The nature of the fast paced game makes soccer one of the best cardiovascular workouts among all sports.

To help understand the beautiful game of soccer, here are some resources about the sport:

History

• History of Soccer – information on the early years of organized soccer.
• FIFA History of Football – timeline of events that led to the development of soccer from the world governing body.
• Soccer History – useful site with history of the game along with other pertinent information.
• American Soccer History Archives- resource showing the changes in soccer in the U.S. since the early 1900’s.
• A History of Soccer – helpful information about the early years of the game of soccer.
• Why Soccer? – interesting look at the game of football from an English perspective.

Rules of the Game

• Soccer Rules – resource listing the rules of the game of soccer.
• Laws of the World Game – FIFA listing of the official rules of soccer/football.
• Basic Soccer Rules – simple explanation of the rules of soccer.
• Soccer for Dummies – brief outline of how the game of soccer is played.
• Soccer Rules – explanation of the rules of the game.
• Youth Soccer Rules – rules and more information on the youth game.

World Game

• FIFA – home page of the world governing body of the sport.
• World Soccer News – compilation site for news in the world of soccer.
• World Cup – resource for the world competition held every four years.
• Olympic Soccer – information on the soccer competition held at the Summer Olympics.
• Olympic Soccer History – historical look at the United States soccer teams in the Olympic Games.
• World Soccer – portal for information on worldwide soccer.

Youth Game

• U.S. Youth Soccer – information on youth soccer in the United States.
• AYSO – resource for the American Youth Soccer Organization.
• Youth Soccer Equipment – guide to what equipment is needed to play youth soccer.
• U.S. Soccer – governing body of soccer played in the United States.
• Youth World Cup – information on the World under 17 championships.
• Playing Soccer Safely – information on keeping kids safe while playing soccer.

Soccer Exercises

• Youth Exercises – sample exercises and other information for young soccer players.
• High School Soccer Training – presentation on training for the high school soccer player.
• Soccer Exercises – selection of soccer specific exercises and drills.
• Soccer Stretches – stretching exercises aimed at helping soccer players.
• Soccer Exercises – collection of soccer exercises specific for soccer players.
• Fitness and Nutrition Guide – information on maintaining fitness for soccer players.

Soccer Drills

• Soccer Drills – collection of drills used in soccer.
• Kids Soccer Drills – resource site for soccer related training drills.
• Online Soccer Drills – information on drills that can be used in soccer.
• Youth Soccer Drills – listing of drills aimed at younger soccer players.
• Soccer Drills for Parents – collection of drills for a variety of ages that can be done at home.
• Youth Soccer Tips – tips, drills and games for youth soccer players.

Coaching

• Coaching Soccer 101 – beginner soccer coach resources.
• National Soccer Coaches – association for information for soccer coaches.
• Fundamental Soccer – resource for coaching youth soccer.
• Soccer Coaching – articles and tips on how to be a better soccer coach.
• Coaching Notes – tips and resourceful information on coaching soccer.
• Tip of the Day – daily resource for ideas for coaching youth soccer.