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As the saying goes - What's in a name? Whether you call it soccer like the Americans do or refer to it as football it offers the same untold health benefits and is a fun-filled sport for all ages. It is most popular in Europe and South American countries and is in fact the national sport of Brazil.
A game of soccer involves being in constant motion for 90 minutes. Did you know on an average a player moves at least 5 miles during a full game of soccer? 
The kicking, tackling, twisting and turning as well as constantly moving all over the field throughout the game helps to build lower body strength. Upper body, back and core strength improve while trying to shield the ball, heading the ball, throw-ins, and holding off opponents.
Bone mineral density decreases as people age. During a football match the repeated weight bearing loads on different parts of the body are an ideal way to increase the skeletal strength. It is a great way to keep bones healthy and strong.
During a soccer game there is constant switch between walking, running and sprinting, which involves coordination and constant adaptation. Thus coordination of body movements is improved through the complex movements like turning, dribbling and passing, which have to be performed at different speeds and directions as required. Hand-eye coordination is greatly improved when players receive a ball from another player or aim and kick the ball at a specific target. 
Football is a fast-paced game and involves constant thinking while on the run and thus concentration and brain function are necessary and will improve with regular playing. On-the-spot decisions have to be made for passing the ball, where to position oneself to receive a pass and how to dodge players trying to wrest the ball from you.
Any form of exercise including soccer stimulates the brain to release chemicals called endorphins that enhance the mood and induce a sense of well-being. Threshold for pain perception also increases, which means the person doesn't begin to feel pain easily. Endorphins are also known to reduce anxiety and depression.
Football is a team sport and each player is assigned a specific role which he has to fulfil along with other players in an efficient and smooth manner for the common goal of winning. These lessons on field are invaluable to children and adults alike in real life when they have to work with others to finish a common task and share each other's difficulties during the completion of the task.
Sport was meant as a form of recreation and leisure activity to both those who play it and those who watch it, and football is no exception to the rule. Studies have shown that people who play football worry less than those who don't play at all. 
How better to bond with family or spend quality time than inviting them to play soccer. Do one step better and form a soccer team with your family members. A soccer player needs to be familiar with their teammates both on and off field. Soccer would offer a great opportunity for family members to spend more time off field as well and bond over a discussion about the next game.
