How Are Soccer Cleats Different Than Other Sports’ Cleats?

At the beginning of most organized collegiate, high school, and youth soccer games, the assigned officials will take a moment to inspect the soccer cleats of each player. This is done for a very specific reason: soccer cleats are different than the cleats that players wear in other sports.

Yet because of the size and shape of soccer cleats, you can actually wear them in most sports if you wanted to save some money. This includes baseball or lacrosse, though it wouldn’t be safe or allowed to wear baseball or lacrosse cleats while playing soccer.

This is because soccer cleats are low-cut and light. They are designed to help players dig into the ground so they can make cuts and turns with ease. The cleats are shorter than you’ll find in other sports as well because of the need for agility within a soccer match. They are also always made from rubber, not metal, because of the tackling that occurs over the course of a game.

Rubber cleats into a shin at full speed, even when wearing the best shin guards money can buy, doesn’t feel good. Now imagine needing to protect against metal cleats!

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A Brief History of Soccer in the United States

Soccer in the United States is currently dominated by Major League Soccer. Since 1993, it has been the first-tier professional league in the country, with several additional leagues, such as the NASL and USL, in the secondary tiers.

The history of soccer in the US dates back more than 20 years, however, with the modern game coming state-side in the 1850 thanks to Irish, German, and Scottish immigrants arriving in New Orleans. The first club dedicated to soccer in the US was the Oneida Football Club, which was established in 1862.

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What Soccer Ball Size Is Right for Me?

If you’re thinking about picking up the game of soccer or teaching it to your kids, then the size of the soccer ball you choose is more important than you may think. Balls that are oversized can cause foot and ankle injuries in younger children, while balls that are too small will not really help a player develop their handling, passing, or shooting skills.

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History of Shin Guards as Soccer Training Equipment

My friend and I were playing some 1-on-1 soccer in his backyard. I feinted left, moved to the right, and felt like I’d beat him clean. I was wrong.

A heavy thwack against my shins immediately felled me. The pain there was incredible, even though the kick didn’t leave a bruise. And I still got around him to score in our makeshift game. From that moment on, however, I wore shin guards for every soccer game and every time I kicked a ball around with someone.

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How to Become a Certified Soccer Referee

I walked into our local YMCA. Local soccer leagues were starting and they were going to pay people who were willing to work as referees at local games. Major League Soccer was only a couple of years old at the time and one of my co-workers was spending his weekends going to matches all over the country.

Who could turn down some extra cash?

Becoming a referee seemed like a good idea at the time, but little did I know the complexities of what it would take to become a certified soccer referee.

Anyone can become a soccer referee, including minors. Each referee is assigned a grade based on their skill level. These referee grades do change from year to year, but there are 9 grades that remain relatively the same.

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The Best Soccer Drills to Practice for Skill Building

At its core, soccer is a game that is about dribbling, passing, tackling, and shooting. Everyone has these basic skills built into them at some level. Some players have a natural talent that enhances these skills as well.

In the end, it is those who practice consistently that will be able to take their game to new heights. One can have all the talent in the world, but never fully achieve it without an emphasis on drills for skill-building.

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