bjones
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While soccer is one of the most popular sports for children of all ages, it is not free from danger. Serious injuries have been caused to children and adults directly related from the playing of the sport. Before we talk about the danger, it is important to note that soccer has a lot of benefits that children would not otherwise be receiving if it were not for soccer, and these benefits outweigh the risks:
• Soccer helps develop strong muscles and bones.
• Soccer burns calories, reducing obesity and keeping people at a health weight.
• Exercise can play an important part is reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Soccer builds teamwork skills and boosts self-esteem.
It is also important to note that while there are dangers related to playing soccer, these dangers can be minimized and are no greater than any other form of physical activity. In 2002, 76,200 children from 5 to 14 years old were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for soccer-related injuries. Most soccer-related injuries are common sprains and strains. Of these, very few cause any type of permanent damage. Broken bones, head injuries, and neck injuries can also occur but are more infrequent. On the serious side, deaths have occurred from playing soccer. Most of these deaths were preventable and due to goalpost injuries. If not anchored to the ground, it is possible for goalposts, weighing several hundred pounds, to tip over onto children. From 1979 – 1993, 27 injuries occurred from falling goalposts, and 18 of those were fatal. Even if properly anchored, goalposts can cause injuries due to collisions. Because of this, it is necessary that goalposts be padded.
Personally, I would allow my own children to play soccer, but I would make sure that coaches and sports association were running the proper risk assessments and doing everything possible to keep injuries to a minimum.
 Posted 5367 day ago
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