Soccer, a Universal Language

Soccer or football, however one may call it, is the most popular sport in the world. According to worldatlas.com it is estimated that at least half of the global population consider themselves soccer followers. It is also a known fact that we have a crisis at the border with thousands of children flooding in, many within the single digit age range. A big majority of these kids come without adult supervision, regardless of this, they want the same thing the adults want, a chance at a better life. Luma Mufle, from the Dallas Morning News talks about the controversial decision the Trump Administration has made, which is end recreational programs for kids in shelters. The administration decided to take away the opportunity to play soccer from these kids as they deemed it “not directly necessary for the protection of life and safety”. Mufle argues that this is a very bad decision and she talks about the negative impact it has on the children.

                My impression while reading that soccer was taken away from these refugee children was that it was not such a big deal at first. Once I read Mufle’s arguments which are directed at the American population, more specifically the ones in Texas, my mind was changed. A shelter employee argues that “educational classes and sports activities are crucial to maintaining physical and mental health while the children are in custody.” Like that employee I agree that physical exercise such as sports, more specifically soccer, are a necessity for these kids.

                Any type of exercise would be good for these children, but soccer is the one that will have the most impact on them. The reason for this is that we must look at the culture of these kids, just south of the border the most popular sport is still “football”, but this football is played using a round ball and your feet. Allowing kids to play soccer will allow for the most preoccupied kids.  Like the employee argued, soccer is not only great for physical exercise, but it is also a brain booster. It enhances decision making as the sport is just a chess match with the ultimate player being the coach. It is perhaps the sport that combines physical exercise and mental growth the most, as one can be the smallest player on the field but still be the best player. The most important thing in this sport is not your physical attributes it is your mental capacity, the best example of this is Messi who has been one of the best players in the world for a massive 10 years.

                This is national government problem as the decisions made on these kids affects their future opinion on Americans. Many of these kids also end up staying so why not spend a few extra bucks to better the development of future of this country. With the right budgeting, we can give these kids their basic necessity, the chance to do physical activity as kids.