Soccer

Soccer, commonly referred to as football in most countries except the United States, is a team sport played on a rectangular, grass field. Teams with eleven players each kick a ball back and forth, attempting to put the ball into the other team's net to score a goal. This sport has been a common pastime since the beginning centuries but didn't adapt modern rules until sometime in the middle of the 19th century. What started as the Cambridge Rules led to the creation of the Football Association which later led to a comprehensive set of widely accepted rules.

The rules, or the Laws of the Game as they are professionally known, are decided by the International Football Association Board. At this time, there are seventeen laws of soccer regarding players, equipment, officials, time, tie-breaking, ball in play, ball out of play, misconduct, and other game rules.

Soccer is both a national and international sport, particularly popular in the United States, Mexico, and across Europe. Major competitions include the FIFA World Cup, the Summer Olympics, the European Championships, and the FIFA Federation Cup, to name but a few online games.

This sport is perhaps one of the most widely played and can be used in both recreational and more competitive settings. A pick-up game of soccer is often used to connect various cultures or bridge gaps between language barriers. Something about kicking a ball back and forth, striving to score a goal, brings people together. Team play and conduct are learned as well, and for this reason, soccer is a great teaching ground for children and students.

Not to mention that the constant running up and down the field, as well as the mental effort that must be put forth, is great exercise which boosts metabolism, burns energy, and offers a rousing sense of accomplishment.