Collection Development "Soccer": The Beautiful Game

Soccer, or football as it is called in the rest of the world, is the most popular and fastest-growing global sport, with an estimated 240 million people regularly playing what Brazilian star Pelé called “the beautiful game.” Millions, worldwide, watch it on television. In 2006, the average viewership for each match of the monthlong World Cup was 93 million viewers, and more than three times that number tuned in for the final between Italy and France. (In comparison, an estimated 97.5 million people watched the 2008 Super Bowl, America’s “big game.”)

While the roots of soccer can be traced back 3000 years to ancient China, its modern version was born in Victorian Britain with the establishment of the Rules of the Game in 1863, the first national team, and the first Football Association, which was soon emulated in other countries. Today, there are thousands of professional soccer leagues and clubs (teams) in almost every nation around the world, far more than the number of pro baseball or football teams here in the United States.

Soccer’s ultimate international championship tournament is the World Cup, overseen by the global governing body, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Countries each field one national team—there are now 208 FIFA member teams (with the U.S. men’s national soccer team, controlled by the U.S. Soccer Federation, ranked 21st). The FIFA World Cup is held every four years, but qualifying matches begin the year after the previous championship, so matches are now underway for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Propelled by the U.S. women’s soccer team’s amazing 1999 World Cup victory and British soccer star David Beckham’s 2007 astounding $250 million deal to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, the sport’s popularity in the United States has grown dramatically in recent years. On the professional level, Major League Soccer (MLS) currently oversees 14 U.S. teams and one in Canada, with plans to expand to 18 by 2012.

Thanks to youth programs nationwide, soccer today is perhaps the most popular recreational sport for boys and girls, with parents of budding Beckhams and potential Mia Hamms often recruited into coaching their children’s teams. As such, these moms and dads are ever more in need of library resources to aid their enjoyment and understanding of the game, its history, its most gifted players, and best coaching practices, not to mention tracking the professional leagues and governance. They look to their local libraries for soccer books, videos, and periodicals.

The growth of Latino populations in this country also necessitates local public library responsiveness. New books in Spanish come out regularly on national and regional teams from South America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Spain. Be sure to check for reviews of these titles in Críticas (www.criticasmagazine.com). The Spanish-language books below, compiled by Bruce Jensen of South Texas College Library, McAllen, are addressed to a broad fan base.

Soccer is a simple game, with few rules. Basically, players can score a goal using their legs, feet, torso, or head, but except for the goalie, they can’t touch the ball with their hands or arms during play. A regulation game is played for 45-minute halves, with a continuous game clock, no timeouts (although referees can add time at the end to make up for stoppage during previous play), and the team with the most goals at the end of play wins, or the game can end in a draw.

Libraries supporting youth and high school/college soccer programs will want materials on rules, tactics, skills, and coaching and must consider Human Kinetics (www.HumanKinetics.com) the chief and best publisher on the subject. Written by professionals, these titles are well laid-out and of high quality. Human Kinetics is also an excellent resource for instructional videos, as is Youth Sports Club (www.youthsportsclub.com), with DVDs for coaches and players at all skill levels.

When considering soccer magazines, most libraries will find that the two domestic offerings listed below, devoted to soccer stateside, will meet their needs. The two higher-priced European magazines should be considered also, as budgets allow, by libraries with strong World Cup constituents.

Most soccer titles will retain viability for some time. Replace popular biographies and soccer histories only as heavy usage warrants. After three to five years, dispose of official rule books and soccer reference works, and replace with updated editions. Maintain graphically rich reference volumes as long as use is strong, and add new editions every three years. As soccer techniques and teaching methods also evolve, coaching how-to materials (text and video) should be replaced every five years. Worn videotapes should be replaced with DVDs.

The following bibliography offers a selective overview of the sport. Starred [*] titles are essential for all public library collections.

* Gifford, Clive. The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia. Kingfisher: Roaring Brook. 2006. 144p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7534-5928-7. $19.95.

British soccer coach Gifford has compiled a terrific resource with lots of full-color photos and illustrations; the teams, the rules, the tactics, the positions, the associations, and the World Cup are all here. While aimed at younger readers (middle school to high school), it’s a fine choice for adult fans.

* U.S. Soccer Federation. Official Rules of Soccer. Triumph Bks. 2008. 134p. illus. ISBN 978-1-60078-107-0. pap. $9.95.

Any thorough soccer collection needs the official rules as set down by FIFA. Note that even with its added illustrations, this is a small book—fitting into the hand or pocket. Libraries with demand may want additional copies for circulation.

* American Sport Education Program. Coaching Youth Soccer. 4th ed. Human Kinetics. 2006. 170p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7360-6329-6. pap. $16.95.

For coaching children from ages eight to 14, this complete guide by a highly regarded coach-training organization offers tips on how to run a team, conduct practices, communicate with players, and teach defensive/offensive skills. Includes a glossary and checklists/forms. A valuable resource for parents new to coaching and experienced youth coaches.

Bach, Greg & National Alliance for Youth Sports. Coaching Soccer for Dummies. Wiley. 2006. 362p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-471-77381-8. pap. $19.99.

One of the better titles in the “For Dummies” series details all aspects of being an effective youth soccer coach, from meeting the parents to keeping the kids healthy and injury free. An index of drills at the front of the book allows quick reference.

LaPrath, Debra. Coaching Girls’ Soccer Successfully. Human Kinetics. Nov. 2008. c.208p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7360-7212-0. pap. $19.95.

A top girls’ soccer coach focuses on the demands particular to coaching girls, from getting to know the players to teaching the skills and playing the game. She also includes useful training strategies, forms, charts, and checklists for planning, managing, and organizing the team. [Illustrations and photographs not seen.]

Lauffer, Butch & Sandy Davie. Soccer for the First-Time Coach. rev. ed. Sterling. 2006. 160p. illus. index. ISBN 978-1-4027-2598-2. $17.95.

Written by two coaches, this colorful guide aimed at volunteer coaches or parents is short on text but long on illustrations and pictures. Next to each skill and technique profiled is a list of common faults to assist coaches in noticing/correcting player errors.

Luxbacher, Joe. Soccer: Steps to Success. 3d ed. Human Kinetics. (Steps to Success). 2005. 198p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7360-5435-5. pap. $17.95.

Former pro player Luxbacher (coach, men’s soccer, Univ. of Pittsburgh) offers an interesting approach to teaching soccer. Every chapter in his guide to improving individual and team performance is dedicated to a specific skill, with numerous drills designed to ensure success. Each drill includes a “success check” (a potential problem for a library book) for readers to score their advancement toward mastering the drill.

National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Soccer Skills & Drills. Human Kinetics. 2006. 163p. illus. ISBN 978-0-7360-5629-8. pap. $17.95.

This instructional guide offers plenty of photos and illustrations to help prospective and novice coaches understand and use the more than 80 progressive drills for dribbling, passing, shooting, heading, goalkeeping, and other essential skills. The “drill finder” at the front of the book makes locating drills easy.

Parker, Michael. Premier Soccer. Human Kinetics. 2008. 232p. illus. index. ISBN 978-0-7360-6824-6. pap. $18.95.

Aided by photos and drawings, successful Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) coach Parker clearly explains the skills and techniques needed to improve players’ games. Also includes exercises and diet suggestions. A good choice for public and school libraries supporting high school and college soccer programs.

* Schmid, Sigi & Bob Alejo. Complete Conditioning for Soccer. Human Kinetics. 2002. 184p. illus. ISBN 978-0-88011-829-3. pap. $18.95.

Soccer requires speed and endurance. This comprehensive guide by the former Los Angeles Galaxy (and UCLA) head coach and a renowned strength and conditioning coach teaches how to get players into shape. With chapters on various types of training (warm-up and flexibility, power, strength, speed, agility, etc.), this is an essential resource for all collections.

Wein, Horst. Developing Youth Football Players. Human Kinetics. 2007. 253p. illus. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-7360-6948-9. pap. $21.95.

Olympic silver medalist and coaching mentor Wein offers excellent drills and skill development techniques for coaching seven- to 14-year-olds and developing age-appropriate skills. The cute drawings and colorful tables and charts support his explanations.

Buford, Bill. Among the Thugs. Vintage. 1993. 320p. ISBN 978-0-679-74535-8. pap. $15.

A classic work on the fascinating but savage culture of British soccer hooliganism. American-born Buford drinks, talks, and avoids trouble while traveling with fans like Banana Bob, One-Eyed Billy, and Daft Donald. An essential purchase where interest merits. (LJ 4/15/92)

* Foer, Franklin. How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization. HarperCollins. 2004. 261p. index. ISBN 978-0-06-621234-0. $24.95; pap. ISBN 978-0-06-073142-7. $13.95.

A well-written and captivating look by a New Republic editor at how soccer variously affects, and is influenced by, global economic, social, religious, and political forces. (LJ 8/04)

Goldblatt, David. The Ball Is Round: A Global History of Football. Riverhead: Penguin Group (USA). 2006. 978p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-1-59448-296-0. pap. $24.

An especially thorough history of soccer from its possible origins in third-century China to its world game status and the fan hooliganism of today. It may take American readers a while to get attuned to Goldblatt’s (World Football Yearbook) British vernacular—and it may take them a while to read it! Still, an important volume.

Haner, Jim. Soccerhead: An Accidental Journey into the Heart of the American Game. North Point: Farrar. 2007. 275p. ISBN 978-0-86547-733-9. pap. $14.

Mixing a personal narrative with sharp social commentary, a Baltimore Sun reporter writes of how he inadvertently became a coach for his six-year-old son’s team and his growing obsession with soccer’s history in the United States—from immigrants importing the game to the current youth soccer boom. (LJ 4/1/06)

Lisi, Clemente Angelo. A History of the World Cup: 1930–2006. Scarecrow. 2007. 421p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-8108-5905-0. $29.95.

From the first World Cup won in 1930 by Uruguay to Italy’s 2006 victory, New York Post reporter Lisi’s thorough history introduces novices and fans to the world’s biggest sporting event. Also includes short biographies of prominent players. An appendix details the matches, plus a list of records.

Longman, Jere. The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World. HarperCollins. 2000. 327p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-06-093468-2. pap. $14.

New York Times sportswriter Longman vividly re-creates the U.S. women’s soccer team’s magical 1999 World Cup championship, which made household names of players Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain and put American women’s soccer on the map. The matches are described in great detail, accompanied by lots of full-color pictures. (LJ 8/00)

Beckham, David & Tom Watt. Beckham: Both Feet on the Ground; An Autobiography. HarperCollins. 2004. 416p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-06-057094-1. pap. $14.95.

The amazing popularity of Beckham as both star athlete and cultural icon means that most libraries will want to purchase his autobiography. Yes, it has lots of pictures, but there’s also the interesting story of Beckham’s rise from his youth in East London. With a comprehensive list of his career records.

Black, Alan. Kick the Balls: An Offensive Suburban Odyssey. Hudson Street. 2008. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-59463-047-7. $23.95.

A displaced Scotsman living in northern California has written a hilarious account of coaching a pee-wee soccer team. The differences he explicates between his native land and ours, soccer and otherwise, are distinct and very funny. Libraries worried about strong language may opt to avoid this, but otherwise it is highly recommended. (LJ 5/15/08)

Hamm, Mia & Aaron Heifetz. Go for the Goal: A Champion’s Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life. HarperCollins. 2000. 222p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-06-093159-9. pap. $12.95.

Although she retired from soccer in 2004, Hamm remains one of the most popular female athletes in the United States. Her book is part autobiography, part history of U.S. women’s soccer, and part soccer how-to. In the latter category, this is not the best title available, but fans will want to read for the biographical details. Includes a glossary.

Pelé with Robert L. Fish. My Life and the Beautiful Game: The Autobiography of Soccer’s Greatest Star. Skyhorse, dist by Norton. 2007. 382p. illus. ISBN 978-1-60239-196-3. pap. $14.95.

Brazilian soccer genius Pelé became a U.S. sensation playing for the New York Cosmos in the mid-1970s. This autobiography, first published in 1977, covers his soccer triumphs from his amazing performance at age 17 in the 1958 World Cup through his days with the Cosmos. An inspiring addition to soccer history collections.

Galeano, Eduardo. El futbol a sol y sombra (Soccer in Sun and Shadow). Siglo XXI Ediciones. 2004. 284p. index. ISBN 978-968-23-2530-4. pap. $21.95.

A classic history of world soccer by the noted Uruguayan journalist. Originally published in 1995.

Hugo, Victor & Roberto Perfumo. Hablemos de futbol (Talking about soccer). Planeta. 2007. 307p. ISBN 978-970-37-0505-4. pap. $14.95.

Over 130 soccer stars, including Argentine Diego Maradona, Chilean Iván Zamorano, and Colombian Carlos Valderrama, speak with the authors about the game they play and love.

Maristain, Monica & Andrea Staccioli. Futbolistas: El club de los 100 latinos (Soccer players: The Club of the 100 Latinos). Ediciones B., dist. by Urano Pub. 2007. 272p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-970-710-251-4. pap. $28.95.

Photos by Staccioli and commentary on 100 Latin football players in world soccer, including Maradona and Ronaldo.

Pelé with Orlando Duarte & Alex Bellos. Pelé: Memorias del mejor futbolista de todos los tiempos (Pelé: Memories of the best soccer player of all times). Temas de Hoy: Planeta. 2007. 349p. photogs. index. ISBN 978-84-8460-678-9. pap. $19.95.

Unlike the English-language My Life and the Beautiful Game (see above), this Spanish-language title, coauthored by Colombian writers Duarte and Bellos, covers Pelé’s life up to the present, including his postsoccer career in politics and culture and role as a father to a troubled son. An English translation by Daniel Hahn, Pelé: The Autobiography, was published in Britain by Simon & Schuster.

FIFA Magazine. 1983. m. $131.41. Strasse 20, Postfach, 8044 Zurich, Switzerland; +41 (0) 43-222-7777; www.fifa.com/magazine. ISSN 1742-8106.

Available in the four official FIFA languages (English, French, German, and Spanish), this periodical includes player and coach profiles and interviews, world football history, country-based coverage, and statistics, as well as vivid graphics.

Soccer America. 1971. m. $79. PO Box 23704, Oakland, CA 94623; 510-420-3640; www.socceramerica.com. ISSN 0163-4070.

This colorful monthly keeps U.S. soccer fans on top of the sport domestically. Also has worldwide box scores and a calendar of upcoming tournaments and matches.

Soccer Journal. 1941. bi-m. $50. 6700 Squibb Rd., Suite 215, Mission, KS 66202; 800-458-0678; www.nscaa.com. ISSN 0560-3617.

The official publication of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA, see below) runs articles on soccer tactics and drills, plus pieces on the psychology of the sport, player development, and administrative details. Each issue includes an interview with a respected coach.

World Soccer. 1960. m. $102.63. Blue Fin Bldg., 110 Southwark St., London SE1 OSU, England; +44 (0) 845-676-7778; www.worldsoccer.com/magazine. ISSN 0043-9037.

“The Number 1 international football magazine” includes interviews, club coverage, news stories, latest trades (“transfers”), and scores (“results”).

* Backyard Soccer Drills. color. 34 min. Youth Sports Club, www.youthsportsclub.com. 2004. DVD ISBN 978-0-9748517-5-4. $24.95.

Really Bend It Like Beckham: David Beckham’s Official Soccer Skills. color. 170 min. Russell Thomas, Footwork Prods., dist. by Capital Entertainment, 826 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502; 818-557-8200. DVD $14.98.

Backyard Soccer is the best of the six DVDs (see also 34 Soccer Goalie Drills below) produced by coach Marty Schupak (founder/president of Youth Sports Club) and starring Lou Fratello (goalie coach, Manhattan Coll.) and good for players of all ages. With sections on footwork, dribbling, and passing, this is a key purchase for libraries supporting local players and coaches. Aimed at kids, Really Bend It… features David Beckham’s exhaustive summary of forward play, passing, crossing, and control, among many others skills. (both LJ 4/1/05)

Bend It Like Beckham. color. 112 min. Gurinder Chadha, 20th Century Fox, www.foxmovies.com. 2003. DVD $14.98.

This is the sweet and charming tale of an Anglo-Indian girl in London and her efforts to overcome her traditional family’s objection to her desire to play soccer. She tells her troubles to a poster of David Beckham on her bedroom wall. Keira Knightley is a fellow player.

Sigi Schmid’s Defensive Soccer Tactics. color. 30 min. Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com. 2007. DVD ISBN 978-0-7360-7364-6. $24.95.

Truly all about defense and not for beginners or coaches of small children. Four parts highlight zone defense, pressuring the ball, winning the ball, and defending free kicks and corners, with team drills that coaches can use with players in junior high or older.

Sigi Schmid’s Offensive Soccer Tactics. color. 30 min. Human Kinetics, www.humankinetics.com. 2007. DVD ISBN 978-0-7360-7365-3. $24.95.

For more advanced players and coaches, this DVD is all about scoring, passing, and dribbling. It includes a section on scoring on corner kicks and penalty kicks. As above, the drills and techniques are for teams, not individuals.

34 Soccer Goalie Drills. color. 30 min. Youth Sports Club, www.youthsportsclub.com. 2005. DVD ISBN 978-0-9748517-6-1. $24.95.

This disc covers goalkeeping conditioning drills, diving skills and drills, punting techniques, and more. Appropriate for coaches and youth goalies of all skill levels. (LJ 3/1/06)

The World at Their Feet. color. 60 min. Bombo Sports & Entertainment, www.bombo.com. 2005. DVD $9.98.

Because soccer fans can’t get enough of the fabulous 1999 U.S. women’s team, this DVD belongs in all libraries. It covers the history of the team from its development through its historic championship (including Brandi Chastain’s famous whipping off her jersey to reveal her sports bra after her game-winning score). Featuring interviews that put the victory in historical context.

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) www.fifa.com

The governing body of world soccer’s official site features news, including coverage of 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds, schedules, statistics, and lots more.

National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) www.nscaa.com

Good source for active and potential coaches, with online tips and educational videos.

U.S. Soccer Federation www.ussoccer.com

The official site of U.S. soccer and the U.S. men’s and women’s World Cup teams, and good for scores, schedules, etc.

U.S. Youth Soccer www.youthsoccer.org

The organizing body for youth soccer programs in the United States, with an emphasis on soccer as a fun activity and as a means of improving young people’s lives. The site includes a club directory, a calendar of upcoming events, weekly updates on the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championships, and more.