This post was sponsored by Mondelez International as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received compensation as a thank you for my review.

Reasons To Play Soccer

There's no doubt playing any youth sport benefits children. They get much-needed exercise and learn teamwork. Here are 5 reasons soccer should be at the top of your list.

Can be Played at a Young Age

When my son was a toddler I couldn't wait until the day he could try a sport. At the time, I did a lot of research and soccer was the only sport I could find in my area that allowed 3-year-olds to play. It was his first experience being on a team and he hated it! He practically cried the entire time and always wanted one of us right there with him. Thankfully, after that experience, he's never had a problem since.

Soccer Keeps Kids Moving

On the other hand, my youngest son's first sport experience was with t-ball. He was WAY more interested with the dirt than watching where the baseball was. T-ball didn't have enough action to keep him engaged unless you count him trying to erase the chalk lines with his feet. Soccer was way more up his ally. The constant running around and limited breaks is exactly what he needed.

Often Cheaper than Other Sports

Having signed up for several different sports in the past, I can tell you soccer has one of the lowest registration prices. As a bonus, minimal equipment is needed costing you even less! Pretty much shin guards and cleats are the only things you need.

While soccer may be cheap running a league is not. Local soccer teams often are self-funded. That's why parents are asked to participate in fundraisers and sponsorships. The money they receive is used for field maintenance, training, and equipment. It can be hard for a lot of soccer leagues to get all the money they need. Thankfully, programs like ‘Pass The Love Back' help teams get the funding and enhancements they need.

The maker of OREO cookies, RITZ BITS crackers and CHIPS AHOY! cookies announced that the ‘Pass The Love Back' soccer program will run again, for the third time! Through May 31, soccer teams can visit www.PassTheLove.com to earn up to $1,000 in sponsorship toward custom T-shirts or a team donation. All you have to do is complete interactive engagements.

Soccer Encourages Socialization

Being on a soccer team exposes your child to children he might of otherwise never met. Often local recreational teams are made up of children from several different areas and schools. Together your child and their teammates will learn how to work as a team to reach a common goal. They will have to talk to and learn from each other every step of the way. They will learn about loss, competition, strategy, and compassion all while having a blast.

Easy to Learn

Soccer is easy to learn. Basically, you just tell young children to kick the ball into the goal and don't use their hands. It starts off as buffalo ball where a herd of kids chase the ball but that's how they learn. Skill and positions come with age.

Remember, OREO cookies, RITZ BITS crackers and CHIPS AHOY! cookies multipacks are available at retailers nationwide. Be sure to tell any soccer team you know about the ‘Pass The Love Back' soccer program. They will thank you for it!

What was the first sport you played?

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