Are you new to soccer?
Don't know your offside from your penalty box?
Let World Soccer introduce you to the beautiful game - the biggest sport in the world.
For Soccer - Start Here
Soccer can be played as a simple recreation.
Any piece of spare ground and any type of round ball being good enough for a kick-about.
And soccer can be played at varying competitive levels.
From street teams through organised amateur leagues to top level professional competitions where star players such as England captain David
Beckhamwho plays for the Spanish club Real Madrid, can earn up to $37 million per year through salary, image rights and commercial endorsements.
Soccer can also be watched, listened to, discussed, read about and enjoyed as a sport - without the need to break sweat.
You'll soon be a expert
Begin at the beginning and learn the basics.
Soccer For Beginners
The Rules of Soccer
The Rules of soccer are easy to understand - there are only 17 fundamental laws - but every beginning player - and every fan - must learn and understand these rules and know how they are applied on the field of play.
The Laws and Rules of Soccer
History of Soccer
Having got to grips with the basics of the game you need to know a little about the history of a game that's been around since the second century BC!
The Essential History of Soccer
Equipment
Recreational soccer needs no special equipment - only some free space in which to kick a ball around.
But to play a game of organised soccer there are several essential items of equipment which every player must have - and every game requires.
The Equipment You Need
Soccer Training
If you're a parent with a child that plays soccer there are camps and courses available that span the spectrum from kick-about fun to taking a first step towards a career in the professional game.
Soccer Camps and Courses
If you're a player and want to improve your stamina, speed and ball control skills - you can get great tips and practice drills on specialist websites such as Soccer Training Info a resource center set up by a group of former professional players.
Skill Drills
The US National Soccer Players Association also provides invaluable tips for players, coaches, Moms and Dads.
Crossing the Ball
Soccer and a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is an aid to good living and a must for anyone aspiring to play soccer at the highest level.
To be on top form a soccer player must eat well - as diet affects energy level and performance as well as overall health.
Here's some healthy eating guidlines for soccer players in training.
Eat Well to Play Well
Watching Soccer
Watching soccer is almost as good as playing soccer.
Fans get involved in the passion of the game and going to a stadium to watch a big match live is an exciting adventure.
Going in a group a rewarding community experience.
But high profile games are not the only games worth watching.
Live soccer matches at all levels provide action, controversy and entertainment.
And if you can't get to a stadium there are lots of games broadcast on TV and radio.
Check out your local listings and invite a few friends round to watch a game with you.
Matchday parties are noisy fun.
What to Watch
1) Watch your local team.
2) Follow a professional league.
Top World Leagues:
The English Premier League
The Primera Division of la Liga in Spain
Italy's Serie A
The German Bundesliga
France Ligue 1
The Scottish Premier League.
In the United States watch - Major League Soccer
3) Support one team from a professional league and track its progress throughout the season.
4) Support your national team.
Soccer is organised on a world basis by FIFA The International Federation of Association Football and each world region has its own governing body which stages competitions.
The biggest sports event in the world is the FIFA World Cup which is staged every four years with the next edition scheduled to be held in Germany in 2006.
All soccer fans follow the World Cup which is a global tournament between national teams.
The European Champions League is
the greatest international club competition.
The Champions League is organised by UEFA, european soccer's governing body, and it pits the top teams of the european leagues such as Liverpool FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Lyon against one another.
When Bill Shankly a legendary manager of Liverpool FC was asked what aspect of the game he disliked most, Shankly replied:
'The end of the season.'
And now you've begun to understand the beautiful game - that's how you'll feel too.
Enjoy your soccer.
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