Blame it on the TV, computer, video games and an abundance of fast food. Since the 1970s, the percentage of overweight kids and adolescents in the United States has more than doubled.
Today, 10 percent of children ages 2 to 5 and more than 15 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight. If you combine the percent of kids who are overweight with the percent of kids who are at risk of becoming overweight, about one out of three children are affected. Those are pretty scary statistics.
Even if you know little about soccer, most people understand its physical demands. It is a game with few stoppages, which is played on a surface larger than a football field. Collett, a former collegiate player who has been around the sport his entire life, said there's no doubt you have to be good shape to play. In fact, he puts soccer in the same category as rugby, in being among the top two most physically demanding sports.
"The play is continuous," Collett said. "Soccer helps you build up your cardio vascular system. To be a good player you have to be in good shape."
In most leagues, kids as young as 4-and-a-half-years-old can play and there are leagues for kids up to age 18. There are no tryouts - everyone who signs-up plays. Teams are rebalanced on a yearly basis. There are two seasons, a 10-week season in the fall and a seven-week season in the spring. For most age groups there are two practices a week with games on Saturdays. There are post-season tournaments for the older kids.
Everyone involved with these leagues is a volunteer. Coaches and referees are usually parents or grandparents.
"For many of our players, this is their first experience in sports," said Terry Stephenson, who, along with his wife Raylene, started the first league in Spartanburg 30 years ago. "We want this to be a good experience for the kids. We insist on positive coaching, good attitudes and good sportsmanship."
Children age 5 and up can play on a team at Carolina FC. Each of its four programs, micro soccer, developmental soccer, academy and select, progressively instruct and challenge participants using a developmentally sound curriculum. Each program is designed for the physical, mental, social and emotional development of the participants. The various programs run throughout the year.
Tactics and emphasis on game results take a back seat until players are skilled enough with the ball and developmentally ready to play as a team. Long-term player development takes priority over the short term results.
That means time is spent to get the kids in shape. Preseason camps are held to prepare kids for their upcoming season. However, Collett said most kids don't understand the exercise they are getting. They are developing healthy habits that could possibly last a lifetime
"We want our players to become technically and tactically skilled in the game of soccer, acquire a confident 'can-do' attitude, and develop a lifelong love of sport and fitness," Collett said.
As players progress in talent there is more of a commitment to fitness. These players, who play on competitive teams for which they must tryout - (challenge and classic soccer) have access to speed, plyometrics and agility training.
Regardless of the level, however, you are going to run if you play soccer. While Collett has not seen any reports on the miles run during youth soccer games, a recent study completed in England said professional players often run eight to nine miles during a game. In elite youth games Collett estimates players will run four to six miles by the end of a game.
"I think soccer is one of the most active sports a child can play," Raylene Stephenson said. "These kids are running and kicking. And what kids don't like to run and kick?"
It's no coincidence that many soccer players also are cross country runners. Both Collett and the Stephensons encourage players to participate in other sports in addition to soccer. Along with soccer, Collett played tennis, cricket and rugby while growing up in South Africa. All the action kept him off the couch. And that's exactly the goal now - keep kids moving.
For more information about Carolina FC go to www.CarolinaFC.net; Email ExcellenceinSoccer@CarolinaFC.net; Call (864) 576-6325.