In 2012, an estimated 3,020,633 people regularly played soccer in the United States. While only one of the many sports commonly played in the U.S., soccer offers an exciting opportunity for people of all ages to grow and progress both physically and mentally. For this reason, if you are looking for an activity for your child or even your whole family, an adult or youth soccer camp might be the perfect choice.

As a sport, soccer has been increasing in popularity since the first live coverage of a soccer match was broadcast on television in 1937. Since then, the soccer ball’s recognizable “buckyball” pattern, designed by Buckminster Fuller in the 1960s, has become world famous, and millions of people have taken part in everything from street games to professional international soccer tours. An estimated 35 million children play soccer each year in the United States each year, whether in school or in youth soccer camps and local teams.

Soccer offers its players a number of benefits: while not every player will go on to play in a World Cup match, soccer is a physically challenging and fun sport that can help children especially develop good physical and social skills. The average soccer filed is 100 to 130 yards long and 50 to 100 yards wide, and playing in a game requires most of the players to constantly run that distance, helping them develop and maintain their endurance and speed. Additionally, soccer is a team sport, and therefore requires players to learn how to work as part of a team and as an individual player.

Currently, an estimated 13 million Americans total play soccer in the United States. While not all of these players play year-round, by playing at least in their area’s soccer season, they are taking advantage of the many benefits of playing the sport. For this reason, if you are interested in getting your child or your family involved in a sport, consider the various opportunities that are likely available to play soccer in your community, including youth soccer camps and local teams.