Soccer for Kids

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is rapidly approaching, and my Monkeys and I cannot wait! (Okay, Baby doesn’t really know what the World Cup is, but he knows something exciting is coming!)

As teams around the world compete for the final slots in the games, here are some ideas for how you can catch the spirit with your kids:

1. Find out more about the “beautiful game” and why it is so popular around the world

Those of us in the US are often a bit out of the loop when it comes to the popularity of soccer (or “football” as it is more commonly known).  But in most parts of the world, even the most rural towns and villages have a soccer pitch.  I passed many of them in Bolivia and more still in Costa Rica.  Anywhere kids can gather together, they can create a game of soccer.

And the World Cup itself is an example of how people from around the world can come together peacefully for a celebration of sports, achievement, and perseverance.  Here is a great article on why the World Cup is so significant.

2. Follow the World Cup for Kids series on Multicultural Kid Blogs

Bloggers from the global Multicultural Kid Blogs group have come together to create a collaborative project on the World Cup.  Through the end of this month, readers and bloggers can submit their pictures of kids and soccer in our photo contest.  The winning photo will be announced on December 5, to coordinate with the announcement of the finalized roster for the 2014 World Cup.

As the games approach, we’ll be sharing great articles about the importance of sports for kids and how you can use the World Cup to explore the world with your child.

Guess which team we’ll be representing?  That’s right – Costa Rica!  Watch for more details soon!

3. Discover some fun soccer gear

Let’s be honest – kids in sports gear are just adorable!  One of my favorite places to shop for sports memorabilia is Cafe Press.  It not only has an impressive collection of already made clothing and accessories to choose from, you can also easily make custom T-shirts if you don’t find exactly what you’d like.  And while you’re there, be sure to check out their other great products, like cool shirts, flip flops, and travel mugs.

4. Do soccer-related crafts and activities with your kids

There are all kinds of crafts and activities you can do with your kids related to soccer.  Did you know you can even use soccer to help your kids read better?  You can also make crafts like this vuvuzela from Daria, modeled after the horn popularized during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa!  Find more great ideas on our World Cup for Kids Pinterest board.

5. Read soccer books with your kids

Goal! by David Diehl was one of Monkey’s favorite books when he was little, and Baby recently discovered it, too!  Sports can be a fun way for kids to interact with books and can especially be a draw for reluctant readers.

6. Find out more about how soccer and sports can be used to help kids around the world. 

Because of the popularity of soccer, it is a tremendously powerful vehicle to help children worldwide.  One World Futbol is one example of an organization that uses play and sport to help disadvantaged children globally.  One football club in Brazil has even used the popularity of the sport to boost the number of organ donors in that city.

7. And the most important way to get your kids excited about soccer: PLAY WITH THEM!

Since before he could walk Monkey has played soccer with my husband.  It is a fun way to engage with your child, and a great workout for everyone!  Don’t worry if you aren’t very athletic or don’t know all the rules.  The important thing is to get out and play with your little one, the best way of all to get them excited about this global sport.

Are you ready for the World Cup??

Disclosure: I received free product from Cafe Press for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own.  This post also contains an affiliate link.  If you click through and make a purchase on Amazon, I will receive a small commission.