Health_Sept16

Daily Thrive
FAMILY MINUTE
SOCCER
For family fun and fitness
By Bob Fernee I Photography by Bob Mack
The world’s most popular sport has exploded in popularity in the
United States throughout the past few decades. There was a time
when soccer was rarely seen on television. Now, it’s shown all the
time. Locally, Jacksonville Armada FC, a professional team in the
North American Soccer League (NASL), and many recreational clubs
serve kids and adults all over the First Coast.
According to 2014 U.S. Youth Soccer
statistics the number of registered players
has gone from more than 100,000
in 1974 to more than 3 million, with 52
percent boys and 48 percent girls playing
respectively. Florida has the sixth
highest number of players nationwide
with more than 113,000.
Why is soccer catching on? Surely
it’s more than David Beckham and
neon-colored cleats.
Parents are looking for a sport that
not only encourages commitment, teamwork
and good sportsmanship, but also
promotes a high level of physical fitness.
The cross-cultural sport also requires little
equipment.
Amy Haney is a working mother of
three and coach of a kids’ recreational
team at the Westside Soccer Club. Haney
started playing at an early age herself
and went on to play intermural soccer at
the University of Florida. When Westside
Soccer Club was looking for coaches,
she figured with her experience it was
a natural fit to coach her 6-year old
daughter’s team.
For her, it is a privilege to coach. “The
parents are entrusting their children to me.
I want them to fall in love with the game,
learn the fundamentals and to grow as
players,” she says.
Soccer is a sport that requires skill,
intelligence and fitness. As a cardiovascular
exercise, it is one of the most
vigorous. It’s rated sixth behind hockey,
rowing, racquetball, cycling and running.
A 90-minute game of soccer is considered
equivalent to a four-mile run.
Haney believes that soccer is the
perfect kids’ sport. “It is so active; they
are always running around with a ball
at their feet. It is a wonderful way for
them to exercise.”
Working in groups is a fundamental
part of the sport. “It is also a great team
game. Individually each child plays a
part, but they learn that teamwork is
required to be successful collectively,”
she says.
The Haney family, that also includes
9-year-old Joel and 5-year-old Micah,
often play and run together. Husband,
Stephen, has grown to enjoy the game his
wife and children love. The entire family
can be found on the fields of Ringhaver
Park during practice and game days,
which can be tiring with two working
parents; but a family that plays together,
stays together.
Above top to bottom: Amy Haney
works one-on-one with son Joel, 9,
as they practice ball handling skills;
Krista Haney practices dribbling
the ball around cones.
Right: Amy Haney is a former
collegiate soccer player who
coaches for the Westside Soccer
Club. Amy, her husband Stephen,
and kids (from left) Joel, 9, Krista,
6, and Micah, 5, posed for a
portrait in Ringhaver Park and then
went through a few skill drills.
FITNESS FACT
According to Diet & Fitness
Today, competitive soccer burns
431 calories in 30 minutes. While
casual play burns 302 calories
and coaching soccer burns 172
calories. No matter how you
play the sport, soccer is going to
be a great workout.
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