Is soccer the ultimate "Men Playing a Boy's Game"?

[bushmaster1313]

I do not follow soccer, but it was on at a restaurant this afternoon. It got me thinking that it is the ultimate example of men playing a boy's game, and that this is the source of its widespread appeal.

Baseball is often called men playing a boy's game, but professional baseball is nothing like the sandlot I played as a kid.

Organized football can't even be played by kids without adult involvement.

Basketball is close, any healthy ten year old can play, but most five year olds are not capable of the dribbling, shooting and passing needed to play the game.

On the other hand, soccer can be played by any kid four and up and it's basically the same game as the adults play.

Is that the source of soccer's appeal?

[arjay]

That and it's played around the world

[JayFramer]

I like the riots. Those are always fun.

[Onomea]

And all you need is a ball. And if you don’t have a ball, you can make one out of discarded plastic bags, etc.

No need for anything else.

[meaneyedcatz]

I have no opinion because I could not care less about outdoor soccer.

Indoor soccer is pretty exciting though, its played in a hockey rink and rebounds off the boards add some exciting plays.

[Rustyt1953]

Ah, my ancestors:

[KalamazooKid]

Soccer isn’t even a real sport is it?


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[Roadtrash]

I'd rather watch grass grow.

[TomkinsSP]

IIRC soccer was banned by King Edward III because it distracted young men from archery practice.

[LoboGunLeather]

At my age I just watch those young guys playing the game and wish that I could do it half as well.

[BC38]

ALL professional sports are a bunch of spoiled grown men playing kids games - and pretending like it really matters or that their performance makes them important IMO.

[10mmauto]

Originally Posted by KalamazooKid

Soccer isn’t even a real sport.


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One of those times I wish there was a "dislike" button.

[Rustyt1953]

I told myself that this thread wouldn't go 10 posts until the bashers came out.

I shoulda been a bookie.

[Onomea]

Some interesting statistics here on the world’s most popular sports:

The Most Popular Sports in the World - WorldAtlas.com

[Rastoff]

Soccer is the most popular for one reason; no equipment necessary to play.

Sure, you can buy equipment; balls, shoes, shorts etc., but you don't need any of that. A ball can be made out of just about anything. Even if you buy one, they're cheap. The field can be anywhere and goals can be made out of anything. So, the poorest of the poor can play soccer.

Therefore, anyone can identify with it and dream of being a pro one day.

[1stgarand]

You should try it. Not for wimps. I would watch it before American football now. But I don't watch either actually. Especially the NFL!

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

Soccer is the most popular for one reason; no equipment necessary to play.

Sure, you can buy equipment; balls, shoes, shorts etc., but you don't need any of that. A ball can be made out of just about anything. Even if you buy one, they're cheap. The field can be anywhere and goals can be made out of anything. So, the poorest of the poor can play soccer.

Therefore, anyone can identify with it and dream of being a pro one day.

Same thing is true of basketball. Minimal equipment required. That is why it is so popular in poor urban areas.

None of that changes the fact that they are all CHILDREN'S games, being played by adults. And other adults spend inordinate amounts of time and energy and money thinking about them and following them, and going to games, and acting like any of it really matters. Often neglecting things that really DO matter as a result.

[mtgianni]

A friend describes soccer as a great sport for kids. It teaches them to be aggressive, when to be aggressive and when to enter into a mix with someone else. It shows how a very small touch of a ball can throw someones plan off and how to compensate for that. Wonderful lessons for both boys and girls in their preteen years. It also shows you that you cannot succeed without movement and that it is not necessary to just move forward but to explore all parts of the field. [pitch]

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by KalamazooKid

Soccer isn’t even a real sport.

Let me take the opposite position: Soccer is popular because, especially compared to football and baseball, it’s actually a sport

As far as I’m concerned, the function of sports is to keep people fit and healthy. And soccer keeps you moving. No standing around, with intermittent bursts of activity. That’s why soccer is such a great kids sport and all-around PE activity; toss them a ball and start them running.

I grew up in a European soccer culture; sure there were team fans wearing colors and such, including hooligans, and armchair athletes like the NFL fans here, but that wasn’t the main thing. Especially in the working class industrial area where I grew up, soccer was a way of life and a major social thing. Saturdays, all the working stiffs would head out to the local soccer club, play some games, then wipe out some cases of beer. We always played soccer; recess at school, lunchbreak at work, someone had a tennis ball, or a soccer ball stashed somewhere, kick the ball around for ten, fifteen minutes, great way to clear your head. Hard to do with baseball or football.

[Mexican Kerry]

I think soccer is as legitimate as any other pro sport. Money talks. If people want to pay to watch it, good for everyone involved. Personally, I could care less. I'm not really a big fan of organized sport (I like loud guns and loud cars), but I do support my kids when they want to play. My oldest son played football all through junior and high school, I was only there to watch him. He passed on a chance to play post high school ball, his high school principal is the head coach of Western Canada's winningest junior team. He took a pass due to his enlistment in the army.

My youngest daughter is playing soccer again this year, I go to watch her when I can because she is doing something active and she is happy when she sees me rooting for her. Does the score matter in a game full of 5-6 year olds? Not according to the organizers, everyone gets a medal at the end of a tournament/jamboree/whatever you want to call it.

She has played her heart out, and is ready for a bath and bed afterwards. As a parent of 4, I appreciate that!

As for "pro" athletes, I think most of them are there chasing the dream. Bring back the days of playing for the love of the game, not the love of bragging about how many flat screen tv's you have in your crib.

That being said, I would probably have a hard time turning down an offer to pay me 6 or 7 digits to show up and spit tobackker on the turf or fake an injury when a Brazilian ran near me.

[vonn]

Can’t play any game these days but enjoy my grand daughters playing anything that keeps them active and healthy. Active kids become healthier adults.

[Donn]

No fan of futbol, (as it's known elsewhere), but it's definitely NOT a sissy game. Try playing it some time. You see fat guys in pretty much every pro sport, not soccer.

[Kiwi cop]

Try rugby, or even watch 5he rugby league (different game) between the Kiwi’s and England being played in Denver this weekend.

Much better that soccer.

[johngalt]

Originally Posted by BC38

None of that changes the fact that they are all CHILDREN'S games, being played by adults....

Is there something wrong with that? Physically, it is a much more demanding sport than most. If it helps people stay healthy, that is good.

I was unaware that once we hit adulthood we are required to become sour curmudgeons.

I don't have any interest in watching other people play and don't have the physical aptitude to play myself, so I never was much interested. I can respect those who can do it though.

[johngalt]

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

Try rugby, or even watch 5he rugby league (different game) between the Kiwi’s and England being played in Denver this weekend.

Much better that soccer.

From the little I've seen on BBC America, those guys are tough!

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by bushmaster1313

Is soccer the ultimate "Men Playing a Boy's Game"?

While it's true that soccer is played by young boys and girls all over the world, if you think big league soccer is a simple game for boys, you are sadly mistaken.

The athleticism shown by accomplished players puts players of every other sport to shame...with the possible exceptions of ski jumping and downhill racing. And the sport's international appeal totally eclipses that of any other sport I can think of, with the possible exception of grand slam tennis.

[KalamazooKid]

Originally Posted by 10mmauto

One of those times I wish there was a "dislike" button.

It's a joke! Sometimes, we just need to relax.

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by johngalt

I was unaware that once we hit adulthood we are required to become sour curmudgeons.

I didn't get that memo, either. I must not be on the Big Man's distribution list or something.

[ChuckS1]

I wonder if there's a big party at Cici's where everyone gets a trophy when the World Cup ends?

[nachogrande]

MORE than any other sport??? I don't think so. Let's see you keep up with the "BOYS" running up & down the field. I'd rather watch ice fishing than golf or nascar, but TEHO.

[A-37]

What action in soccer compares to a beautifully executed double play?

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by BC38

Same thing is true of basketball. Minimal equipment required. That is why it is so popular in poor urban areas.

Almost. You still need a hoop, backboard and a pole to hold it all up. Also, very difficult to play basketball on dirt. For example, you cannot play basketball on a grassy field or a dirt field. Soccer can be played on both as well as asphalt and concrete. For a goal you just need a defined area to kick the ball through. Two rocks, two trees or just two lines scraped in the dirt will work. Sure, it's not ideal, but it can be done. A ball can be made out of anything. In a pinch even a balled up piece of newspaper will work. Can't do that in basketball.

Originally Posted by BC38

Often neglecting things that really DO matter as a result.

Yes, there are some who get too far engrossed and it becomes an obsession. That's bad with anything, guns included.

[Rustyt1953]

Originally Posted by A-37

What action in soccer compares to a beautifully executed double play?

A cross-pitch pass resulting in a bicycle goal.

I love Fútbol and baseball equally. Win-win.

[LVSteve]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

A cross-pitch pass resulting in a bicycle goal.

I love Fútbol and baseball equally. Win-win.

...and then in Cricket we can have a batsman getting out by nicking a quick one into the slips, or on another day getting stumped as he came down the wicket because he was deceived by the flight of a googly.

Yes, these are actual things.

[Rustyt1953]

Originally Posted by LVSteve

...and then in Cricket we can have a batsman getting out by nicking a quick one into the slips, or on another day getting stumped as he came down the wicket because he was deceived by the flight of a googly.

Yes, these are actual things.

I love it when you talk naughty.

[keith44spl]

Is soccer the ultimate "Men Playing a Boy's Game"?


Only when the spread is in my favor


.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by johngalt

Is there something wrong with that? Physically, it is a much more demanding sport than most. If it helps people stay healthy, that is good.

I was unaware that once we hit adulthood we are required to become sour curmudgeons.

Nothing wrong with participating in a sport at all. Nothing wrong with adults playing kids games for healthy exercise either. You took my comment out of context to make a point that has nothing to do with the point I was making.

Just to be clear, what I see as being problematic is adults who are focusing huge amounts of their time, attention, and money on a game meant as an entertainment for children - instead of on something that really matters.

I see sports nuts all the time that are virtually incapable of talking or thinking about or participating in almost anything else. They spend all their spare time and money watching sports, playing sports, going to sporting events, and talking about their favorite sport - or sports.

IMO, if they put half as much time, money, and energy into their kids, their job, or their community as they put into following or playing or following a GAME, they would be far better off. So would their family, their employer, and their community.

You are right, playing a sport can have physical benefits, and serve as a good healthy outlet, no argument there. But I also feel that the way so many people obsess over kids games is NOT a healthy, productive, or beneficial use of an adult's time.

I hope that clarifies what I was trying to say in a sufficiently non-curmudgeonly way.

[JayFramer]

The only REAL sport is los futbol Americano!!

Seriously, soccer is a sport. Baseball is a sport.

But golf is still just a game!

So, now, we adult shooters... are the pea shooters and bb guns of our youthes similar to us today? Are we adult shooters "men playing a boy's game" too???

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

Ah, my ancestors:

You can make fun of the Brits, but they beat the Germans at their national sport the last two times they played, granted, with a little help.

[Rustyt1953]

Originally Posted by Model520Fan

You can make fun of the Brits

Having dual citizenship, my British side has plenty of material.

[nodpete]

I'll say one thing about soccer, IT"S NOISY ! Not the players, the damn parents, they seem to have to tell the players what to do even though there are only 2 things to do in soccer. The spectators constantly yell "Run, run, run, kick, kick, kick at the top of their lungs. There are 10 soccer fields behind my house and from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm this is what I listen to. In the park districts infinite wisdom they decided to put a 120 acre sports park in the middle of a residential area. So in my opinion, soccer sucks !!!

[venomballistics]

The initial analysis of the game of soccer seems to omit the divisions between age brackets involved.
a game of adult soccer with 8 year olds involved would result in a creamed 8 year old.

Given how today's players roll around on the deck like they got run over by harvesting equipment, any time an insect nearly collides with them, I think it suffers a fate similar to American football in that it is a men's game with no men left to play it

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Compared to the other games, it's pretty low-tech. Parents have told me they find it a much better sport for kids, they're moving constantly, don't need the specialized physique, playing fields, etc.

[LVSteve]

Originally Posted by Rustyt1953

I love it when you talk naughty.

It just comes naturally.

[yeti]

I understand that lots of folks love soccer, but I just can't get into it. I grew up playing ice hockey, football (the real one) & baseball as competitive team sports. Soccer was just goofing off to us. It is an energetic game with no complexity.
I actually played a fair amount of soccer as a kid during summer camp, every summer for years. The camp had kids from all over the world attending and for many countries soccer was THE game. We had lots of fun playing, but I never took soccer seriously...still don't. I admire players fitness, drive & skill at the international championship level, but the game itself just does not hold my interest. You enjoy your sport and I will enjoy mine.

I hope all the soccer fans enjoy the World Cup games.
More World Cup tickets for you!

[mtgianni]

Originally Posted by BC38

Nothing wrong with participating in a sport at all. Nothing wrong with adults playing kids games for healthy exercise either. You took my comment out of context to make a point that has nothing to do with the point I was making.

Just to be clear, what I see as being problematic is adults who are focusing huge amounts of their time, attention, and money on a game meant as an entertainment for children - instead of on something that really matters.

I see sports nuts all the time that are virtually incapable of talking or thinking about or participating in almost anything else. They spend all their spare time and money watching sports, playing sports, going to sporting events, and talking about their favorite sport - or sports.

IMO, if they put half as much time, money, and energy into their kids, their job, or their community as they put into following or playing or following a GAME, they would be far better off. So would their family, their employer, and their community.

You are right, playing a sport can have physical benefits, and serve as a good healthy outlet, no argument there. But I also feel that the way so many people obsess over kids games is NOT a healthy, productive, or beneficial use of an adult's time.

I hope that clarifies what I was trying to say in a sufficiently non-curmudgeonly way.

The same can be said for those whose only interest in making money, hunting, collecting, shopping, religion or many other pastimes. To be well rounded is good to obsess isn't.

[nachogrande]

They can't ALL be wrong. Is the programming getting in the way of your soap opera's?

[Dave_n]

Originally Posted by LVSteve

It just comes naturally.

So where from in Essex? In my case, a now non-existant little village called "Little Thurrock" between Grays and Tilbury, but now a parking lot in a mall on the A12

[BC38]

Originally Posted by mtgianni

The same can be said for those whose only interest in making money, hunting, collecting, shopping, religion or many other pastimes. To be well rounded is good to obsess isn't.

Absolutely. Moderation in all things.

FWIW, IMO, at least SOME of those other "pastimes" you listed have (or at least can have) additional positive benefits (making money = providing for family, hunting = putting meat on the table, religion = positive life changes etc.).

I've yet to see any significant benefit the average Joe gets from obsessively following pro sports - other than empty entertainment (not talking about actually PLAYING a sport). The cost FAR outweighs the "benefit" IMO.

But that's just me because I never have had any interest in pro sports. Again, that's just my opinion - which is what the OP asked for in starting this thread.

[rwsmith]

Small children start out with older kids that play soccer, if there's a sports event, it's usually soccer. Soccer players are heroes to everyone. Other sports are played, but by far...it's soccer. It takes a lot of skills that can be practiced both by yourself and with others. The emphasis isn't on height or bulk. It takes a lot of endurance because unless there is a foul or out of bounds, the ball stays in play.

If we had that culture here in America, soccer would be big, too. But we are suspicious of anything 'foreign' and would rather stick with sports that we know. Similar to the fact the there is only one country besides Liberia and Burma in the world that still uses the British Imperial system of measurements and that is the USA. Even Britain hasn't used it since 1965.

Soccer is no more of a boy's game than any other physical sport.