Soccer in the spotlight: Get fit, make friends and have fun

With the FIFA Under-20 World Cup going on right now in various city's throughout Canada, and with kids getting excited about having hip soccer mega-star David Beckham playing for the L.A. Galaxy, soccer's (aka football) popularity is soaring among youth across North America.

The world's most popular sport has never gotten the same kind of play on this continent (with the exception of Mexico, where it's always been huge) as it has around the globe, but that's all starting to change. Soccer is quickly becoming one of the most popular recreational sports among younger kids, with leagues starting for children as young as 3-years-old. Sure, the little ones don't really know the rules but it gives them a chance to run around, have fun and begin to develop a love of the game.

Even adults who previously joined softball teams are getting into things. I've got a group of girlfriends, the majority of whom have never played before, who have created their own team this year just for the fun of it. Most of the team is pushing 30 and many have kids under 18-months-old. It's great exercise and it gives everyone a chance to get out and socialize. If you want to get in the game, take a look at the US Soccer Federation site for all kinds of info.