We all want our kids to be good at sports. We want them to have strong bodies, be hand-eye coordinated, and be able to think quickly on their feet.
And while there are many different sports out there to choose from, it can take time to decide which one is right for your child.
You may want your kid to play football because you loved playing when you were younger. Or maybe you think soccer is a better option because it requires less equipment and can be played just about anywhere.
So, which one is better for your kid? First, let’s look at a detailed comparison of flag football vs. soccer to see which one comes out on top for your unique child.
Flag Football
Flag football is a great option for kids who want to play a fast-paced team sport but may not be ready for the physicality of tackle football. In flag football, players wear flags around their waists, and the object of the game is to remove those flags from the other players.
There is very little contact in flag football, and players are not allowed to tackle each other. This makes it a much safer than traditional football and a good choice for kids still developing their motor skills.
Flag football is also a great way to teach kids the basic football concepts, such as passing, catching, and running with the ball. And because there is no tackling, kids can focus on these skills without worrying about getting hurt.
Soccer
Soccer is another popular team sport that is perfect for kids. It is a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints and muscles, making it a good choice for kids who are still growing.
Soccer is also a great cardio workout and can help kids develop their endurance and stamina. And because it is played on a large field, it can be a great way for kids to get some fresh air and exercise while having fun.
Soccer requires very little equipment – all you need is a ball and a pair of cleats, and you’re good to go. This makes it a great option for kids who want to play but may not have the money to invest in expensive gear.
So, which one is better? Flag football or soccer?
13 Reasons Why Flag Football Is Best Start For Your Kid
Being a site that focuses on flag football, naturally we’re partial to that sport. That said, soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with an estimated 265 million people playing the sport worldwide.
Most young kids should start off by playing soccer and seeing if they have a love for the sport.
However, when it comes to choosing the right sport for your child, flag football may be a better option. Here are 13 reasons why:
1. Flag Football May Be A Safer Option Than Soccer.
As your kid is just starting, it is obvious that you would want to choose a less injury-prone sport. And although soccer has become much safer over the years, flag football is generally still the safer option.
In flag football players have very little contact. And because there is no tackling, the chances of your child getting injured are much lower.
The gameplay involves removing the flags from other players, which can be done without any physical contact. At the same time, this also helps in developing your child’s motor skills.
As flag football rules strongly discourage tackling, aggression, or head-to-head contact, the sport is ideal for kids.
2. Flag Football Teaches Kids The Basic Concepts Of Football.
One of the biggest advantages of flag football is that it is a great way to teach the basic concepts of football without any risk of injury.
Because there is no tackling, kids can focus on other aspects of the game, such as passing, catching, and running with the ball. This makes it an ideal sport for kids just starting to learn the game.
In addition, flag football also helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
Flag football is a game of strategy. Players must think about the best way to get the ball up the field and avoid pulling their flags. This helps kids develop their strategic thinking skills.
3. Flag Football Is A Great Way For Kids To Get Exercise.
Kids these days are spending more time than ever in front of screens. And although there are many benefits to screen time, too much of it can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
This is why kids need to get some exercise, and flag football is a great way for them to do that.
Flag football is a great cardio workout. And because it is played on a large field, kids have to run back and forth, which helps them develop their stamina and endurance.
In addition, flag football also helps kids develop their coordination and balance.
4. Flag Football Requires Very Little Equipment.
Another great advantage of flag football is that it requires very little equipment. All you need is a ball and a set of flags, and you’re good to go.
This makes it a great option for kids who want to play but may not have the money to invest in expensive gear.
Safety gear, helmets, pads, guards, and other equipment can be expensive. But flag football is a much more affordable option because it doesn’t require any of that.
5. Studies & Research Support Flag Football
According to an orthopedic surgeon and a profound sports medicine specialist, Dr. David Geier, kids should play flag football till the age of 14. The basic reason being this age group undergoes a lot of growth spurts which are an integral part of their development into adults.
Furthermore, other games may involve aggression, leading to various injuries. Such as, in the case of girls might end up with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries and boys are more susceptible to shoulder dislocations.
Hence, flag football is the best option for kids until the age of 14 after which they can also be introduced to more physical games.
6. Flag Football Is A Great Way For Kids To Socialize And Make New Friends.
Another advantage of flag football is that it provides a great opportunity for kids to socialize and make new friends.
Because flag football is played with teams of five to 11 participants on each side, kids must interact with other players to succeed. This helps them develop their communication and teamwork skills.
In addition, flag football is a great way for kids to meet new people and make new friends.
So if your child is shy or doesn’t have many friends, playing flag football can be a great way for them to socialize and make some new ones.
7. Flag Football Is Fun Without Stress
While all sports have an element of competition, flag football is a more relaxed approach to the game. Because there is no aggression, the game is less physical and more about having fun.
This relieves you as a parent because you don’t have to worry about your child getting hurt. And it also means that your child can focus on enjoying the game without feeling the pressure to win.
So if you’re looking for a fun and stress-free sport, flag football is a great option.
8. Flag Football Opportunities Are Growing Fast
It is a misconception that flag football has no future in the realm of sports. The fact is, flag football is only the trailer, and the main game is yet to begin.
With the increasing popularity of flag football, there are now many leagues and tournaments that kids can participate in. And as the sport continues to grow, more opportunities will become available for kids who want to pursue it for careers and make money with flag football.
At present, there are many professional leagues and tournaments, like NFL FLAG and American Youth Football, that your kid can be a part of. So don’t hesitate to enroll your kid in a flag football league near you.
9. Flag Football Is Easy On The Pocket, Quite Literally
Another great advantage of flag football is that it is easy on the pocket. When compared to other sports, flag football is relatively cheaper to play.
This is because you don’t need a lot of gear to play the game. You only need a few flags and a ball, shorts, and you’re good to go.
Flag football is a great option if you’re looking for a sport that won’t break the bank.
10. Flag Football Is For Everyone
Whether your kid is a girl or a boy, flag football is a sport for everyone. In fact, flag football is one of the few sports that is equally popular among both genders.
In fact, flag football is a great sport to play for girls and women looking to get active and stay fit.
This is because the game doesn’t require a lot of physical strength or aggression to play. All it requires is some basic skills and a whole lot of teamwork.
11. Flag Football Encourages Fair Play
Because flag football is a non-contact sport, it more often encourages fair and noble play. This is because there is no aggression or violence involved in the game.
As a result, kids learn to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. They also learn to cooperate with others and work together as a team.
So flag football is a great option if you’re looking for a sport that teaches kids the importance of fair play.
12. Flag Football Builds Character
Flag football is not just a sport, it’s a culture. And like all cultures, flag football has its own set of values and beliefs.
One of the most important values of flag football is sportsmanship. This is because the game is all about having fun and respecting your opponents.
As a result, kids who play flag football learn to be good sports and to treat others with respect. They also learn to persevere in the face of adversity and always give their best.
So if you’re looking for a sport that can help your child build character, flag football is a great option.
Does This Mean Soccer Is Not A Good Sport?
No, this does not mean that soccer is not a good sport. On the contrary, soccer is a great sport with many benefits. However, it is important to understand that each sport has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Flag football is a great option for kids who want to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free game. It is also a good option for kids who want to pursue a career in football.
So before enrolling your kid in a flag football league, make sure to do your research and choose the right sport for your child.
Soccer or Flag Football – The Choice is Yours!
So there you have it, a complete guide to flag football. We hope this guide has helped you understand the many benefits of flag football.
Now the choice is yours. You can enroll your kid in a soccer or flag football league. The choice is yours!
Make sure you give your kid a try at both sports before making a decision. This way, you can be sure that your kid is playing the sport he or she loves the most.
Vance J has played flag football since he was a boy. Since then, he has become a coach and a huge advocate for growing the sport. He loves to write and talk about flag football!
