The game of soccer, always enormously popular outside the United States, is finally taking the U.S. by storm. The U.S. Youth Soccer organization, the largest sports group in the country, reported a 9 percent membership increase in  2014. Annual registration soared to over 3 million players 18 years old and younger age group.

The excitement about the play of the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup is partly responsible for the sudden uptick in soccer’s popularity. Parents have also discovered that soccer is a great student athletic activity that promotes teamwork and encourages fitness. Children see it as just plain fun.

Players Who Shine

Soccer teaches a variety of skills, including sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork and overcoming obstacles which transfer well into everyday life. The best youth soccer players are also the most well-rounded individuals. Here are just a few examples of youth soccer players around the country who are exemplary both on and off the field.

Claire lives in St. Augustine, Florida, and is captain of her middle school varsity soccer team. A member of the National Junior Honor Society, she maintains a 3.91 GPA. Claire mentors elementary school children, has to date over 650 volunteer service hours and raised over $3,000 in charitable donations.

Anthony is from Akron, Ohio, and is center back for the Internationals SC. He also plays hockey, competes in track and field events and is a competitive swimmer. He enjoys sports, but is also a straight A student. He volunteers for the Cancer Foundation and participates in fundraising events.

Makena lives in Meridian, Idaho. She plays competitive soccer year-round and was recently selected for the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program state pool. Makena plays the violin with her school orchestra and maintains a 4.0 GPA.

Charlie lives in Park City, Utah, near Salt Lake. Recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, Charlie is not only a great soccer player, he also coached a free soccer clinic for young children in his community.

Erica is a gifted soccer player who never gives up. She is also a below-the-knee left leg amputee. She doesn’t let her disability stop her. She’s the starting center forward on her club team and last winter scored 22 goals for her recreational team. Erica also volunteers at summer horse camp for children with disabilities and helps the homeless through school programs.

Liam lives in Sugar Land, Texas. He has played soccer since he was 10. Liam’s family has moved a lot and Liam has learned how to quickly adjust to new people, places and cultures. His excellence on the soccer field is equaled by his academic success. He is an A student and active Junior Honor Society member.

Kyle from Fayetteville, Georgia, led his high school soccer team in scoring as a freshman despite having Celiac Disease. Kyle is a straight A student and made the high honor roll his freshman year.