WHY IS SOCCER SO POPULAR?
In 2006 a FIFA survey proved that soccer was one of the largest sports in the world with over 265 million men and women playing it around the world. Add to this around 5 million referees and officials and you get to 270 million people which is 4% of the world’s population.
In 2013 a FFA survey found that approximately 1.96 million Australians were actively playing soccer in Australia. Within this total 960,000 people are involved in organised soccer and another million are recorded as being involved in unorganised soccer - in schools, corporate games, indoor futsal centres which are not part of a recognised competition.
These numbers make soccer the largest sport in Australia, higher than Australian Rules, Rugby Union and Rugby League.
I think that soccer is so popular because you can play it anywhere with just a ball. You can be male or female, young or old, rich or poor.It is played in all countries by people of different ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. It helps people to learn about teamwork, the importance of hard work, dedication relying on others and also helps keep you fit . Soccer can even help to keep kids off the streets and away from drugs and violence.