ARE YOU NEW TO SOCCER?

Here is what you need to know:

LRYSL rely on volunteer coaches. Our coaches go through an extensive background check and online training. We ask that all families are patient, respectful, and supportive of our coaches. Coaching is not always an easy task, and it is a commitment from these selfless people who dedicate their time to your child during the season. So, we thank all past, present, and future coaches! Our league couldn't do it without you.

LRYSL REFEREES

Our referees are young adults of our community. They go through a course to learn the rules of soccer, as well as making calls in a live game. Some of the best learning happens on the field, in the midst of the action. We ask that all parents and families remember that these referees are human and will sometimes make an error. We ask for the upmost respect and understanding towards our refs.

Our referees do get paid to call a game. This provides an excellent way for a teenager/young adult to earn some extra money on the weekends during season. If you, or someone you know, may be interested in becoming a referee for LRYSL, please contact

Why Soccer?

Popularity

Globally, FIFA reported roughly 265 million soccer participants, which makes it the most popular sport from a participation and fan base standpoint. An ESPN poll revealed that second to China, the United States has the highest youth participation rate in soccer with roughly 24.5 million players. And, within the country, soccer is the second most popular sport for youth, trailing only behind basketball.

Helpful links:
10 Data Points That Prove Soccer Has Finally Made it in America
US Youth Soccer Key Statistics
Soccer is Here For Real This Time

COST

Soccer is inexpensive to get started. Cleats and shin guards are the only necessary equipment purchases prior to joining a LRYSL team. Depending on whether a player is joining a recreational or competitive team, participation costs can vary.

Helpful links:
The Cost's of Youth Soccer
Cost of Minor Sports Varies Greatly

Level of difficulty

Soccer is one of the easier sports to learn. Due to the of infrequent stoppage in play, there is a lot of time and space for free play and creativity. There are only a couple of major tactical regulations ,such as offsides, that need to be learned before jumping into the sport.

Helpful links:
What Are The Rules?
How Long Does it Take to Learn Soccer?

Global Reach

Soccer is known to be the most popular sport in the world, and one of the few that is played in nearly every country. To get a gauge of fan base popularity, in 2014 there were nearly 111.5 million people who tuned in for the Super Bowl and 1 billion who tuned in for the FIFA World Cup Final.

Helpful links:
The World Cup Reminds Us That All The World's a Soccer Field
Top 10 List of the Internet World's Most Popular Sports

injuries

The most common injuries in soccer are sprains and strains of ankles and knees. Although there are other major injuries, such as concussions and ACL tears that can be prevalent mostly at the higher levels, severity and recovery time for soccer injuries tends to be low.

Helpful links:
Preventing Soccer Injuries
8 Tips to Avoiding Soccer Injuries

physical fitness

Soccer requires a high fitness ability, specifically endurance and agility. On average, a soccer player will run a total of 7 miles per game, depending on level of participation and position played.

Helpful links:
Fitness Components for Soccer