Goalkeepers are the only players on the soccer field who get to use their hands without incurring a penalty. They even wear different uniforms than the rest of the players. This enables them to stand out to other players and officials and to protect themselves from injuries.

Soccer is one of the world's most popular sports, with millions of players at every level from youth to professional. Mastering the game takes years of training and practice, with players of high skill levels earning opportunities to compete at the high school, college and professional levels.

Many school-aged children across the country try out for soccer each year. Soccer tryouts can be highly competitive, especially for travel teams, and knowing what to expect can give your child an advantage. Soccer coaches look for speed, agility, accuracy and team spirit when choosing young athletes.

The passion for soccer in Mexico makes a visit to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium a feared occasion for rivals in CONCACAF, the regional conference overseen by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer.

If a soccer ball is flat because it has been sitting unused and has lost pressure, reinflation is the answer. Pump the ball by hand or with an electric pump until it feels firm when pressed hard between the heels of both palms.

Soccer players who are going to go far in the sport, such as David Beckham, begin to gain notice as young as age 8 and may be signed by a top team such as Manchester United by around their 12th birthday.

The solid “thwack” of foot to soccer ball, such as when a goalkeeper like D.C. United's Bill Hamid sends the ball on a goal kick, tells you that the ball is being sent with considerable force. Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion allow you to determine reasonably accurately how much force is exerted at the time of impact.

In 1891, soccer referees moved from the touchlines onto the field of play. This brought about a new development: the introduction of a linesman, or assistant referee, on each touchline. The linesman’s role has remained fundamentally the same since that time.

The standard ball sizes intended for youth soccer players are 3, 4 and 5. Using the proper size allows children to develop their skills with soccer balls of the correct proportion. If necessary, ask the staff of your child’s soccer league or a coach which type of ball is best for your child.

Cleated shoes give you the potential to dig your heels or the front of your foot into a grassy playing field and zoom in any direction. Along with baseball, football, and track and field, both lacrosse and soccer are sports played with cleats, meaning shoes with studs. Especially if you live in the Northeast of the U.

Yellow and red cards are part of the disciplinary system in soccer games at all levels. The yellow card is given for minor offenses and deemed a first warning. The red card is given for more serious incidents or for repeatedly bad behavior.

High school districts throughout the country are free to set soccer season at their discretion, typically in line with state high school athletic associations. Traditionally, though, soccer is a fall sport for both boys and girls, although certain states move girls’ soccer to spring.