By HAILEY GODBEY
Sheridan High School Student
Editor’s Note: The Sheridan Student Column is brought to readers by Sheridan High School’s 10th grade English class, taught by Abby Williams.
The popular sport of soccer, referred to in other countries as football, has been around since the game was discovered in 1863. According to FootballHistory.org, soccer was discovered by Ebenezer Cobb Morley in London, England.
Although soccer was made official in 1863, there have been traces of people playing this sport 2,000 years ago in ancient China, Greece, and Rome. Research has said that back in years B.C. civilians would create some round object like a soccer ball and they would kick the ball around into nets. In the 19th century soccer was formalized in England and transitioned to the name Soccer.
Growing up I was in an area where soccer was always the game to play when I gathered with my friends or at recess in elementary school. No one ever wanted to do anything else but play soccer. Over time I grew this deep interest or passion for the sport. Personally, my favorite position is either defender or goalkeeper, but I am way better at the goalkeeper position. The sport is easy to understand with basic rules to follow. It is an all-contact sport to a certain degree, which makes it so much better to watch and play.
Soccer is a getaway from reality’s struggles and stresses. Playing the game helps me feel stable. It is something I am good at and it releases this weight off my chest. Another great thing is that most of the time you bond very well and become close with the other players. Playing on the field as one and achieving simple goals you make before a game like score so many points or even winning helps us bond as a team.
If you are not very coordinated with your hands, then I highly recommend soccer. The game keeps you in great shape. I have been inspired by some professional soccer players like Kristine Lilly, Abby Wambach, and Lionel Messi. I admire them because at one point they did not know a thing about soccer, and no matter how many hardships came their way, they worked hard to make their passion into their life career. Many people in the world think that famous or professional athletes take their fame and skill for granted and are selfish, but these players use their money and ego to help the world by donating to charities and visiting their fans and planning meet and greets for their fans also.
A thing I love about soccer is that it is an almost all-natural sport like track and field. All you need is your mind and body – and, of course, a soccer ball.