Soccer is a universal sport that brings people together from all around the world. Equally captivating are the films made about the sport, particularly those that cater to a younger audience. Soccer movies for kids often focus on themes such as friendship, teamwork, and perseverance, making them perfect for family viewing.
There are numerous soccer-themed movies that cater to children and families. Some movies, like Ladybugs and She’s the Man, infuse comedy and drama into engaging storylines. Others offer a more in-depth look at the sport itself, highlighting the lives of legends and the experiences of young athletes who overcome obstacles on their journey to success.
These family-friendly soccer movies not only provide entertainment but also serve as educational tools. They showcase stories that teach children valuable lessons about determination, camaraderie, and the importance of hard work. With a variety of films available, parents can easily find a soccer movie that will captivate their little ones and inspire a love for the beautiful game.
Reader's Roadmap
Defining Soccer Movies for Kids
Soccer movies for kids are films that revolve around the sport of soccer and its values, such as teamwork, perseverance, and passion. These movies convey a strong message of sportsmanship and personal growth to younger audiences while providing a healthy dose of entertainment and inspiration.
A typical soccer movie for kids will feature a plot that engages a young viewer’s interest and curiosity. Most of these films contain soccer matches, training sessions, and adventures driven by the sport’s excitement. The protagonists are often relatable and face challenges that children and teens can identify with, making these films a great way to introduce kids to soccer and foster their love for the game.
There is a wide variety of soccer movies for kids, encompassing different styles and sub-genres. Some popular examples include:
- Comedy: films like Kicking and Screaming blend humor and soccer, starring Will Ferrell as a dad coaching a kids’ soccer team.
- Animation: movies like Underdogs (2013) incorporate fantastic elements to create an imaginative story where foosball table players come to life.
- International: multicultural soccer movies expose kids to different cultures and unique perspectives on the game, such as films from Brazil, Mexico, and India.
In addition to offering entertainment, soccer movies for kids can be valuable educational tools. Several documentaries and TV shows dive into the history of soccer, explore the lives of legendary players, or even provide insights into coaching strategies and techniques.
To ensure suitability and age-appropriateness, it’s essential to consider factors such as language, content, and themes. Websites like Common Sense Media provide reviews and age recommendations for soccer movies and TV shows, helping parents make informed decisions.
Greatest Soccer Movies for Kids
Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham is a fantastic soccer movie that follows the story of a young girl struggling to balance her passion for soccer with her traditional family values. It is a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and perseverance, making it an ideal choice for kids and families.
The Big Green
Another great soccer flick for children is The Big Green. The film revolves around a foreign exchange teacher from England who forms a soccer team with a group of misfit kids in Texas. With themes of teamwork and self-esteem, it’s often compared to The Sandlot and features some of the same cast members.
Shaolin Soccer
Shaolin Soccer is a hilarious and unique movie that combines soccer and martial arts. The film follows a group of Shaolin monks who form a soccer team using their incredible skills. Despite its over-the-top action sequences, Shaolin Soccer remains a fun and entertaining choice for kids and adults alike.
Underdogs
In Underdogs, a talented but under-confident young soccer player gets a chance to prove himself when his small town is threatened by a star soccer player who wants to destroy his hometown and build a primo soccer academy. This heartwarming story teaches youngsters the importance of believing in yourself and never giving up on your dreams.
Air Bud: World Pup
A classic animal sports movie, Air Bud: World Pup follows the adventures of everyone’s favorite basketball-playing retriever as he turns his athletic talents toward soccer. With its lovable canine protagonist and lighthearted storyline, this film is perfect for younger audiences.
Early Man
Set in prehistoric times, Early Man is a stop-motion animated film that humorously combines soccer and the Stone Age. It tells the story of a caveman named Dug who bands together a motley crew of primitive players to compete against an advanced neighboring tribe in a high-stakes soccer match. The captivating animation and quirky humor make it an entertaining choice for kids.
Back of The Net
Back of The Net is the story of a teenage soccer player who accidentally enrolls in a prestigious Australian soccer academy intended for gifted students. The protagonist must learn to adapt and harness her untapped potential to help her team win the national championship, teaching kids the value of determination and teamwork.
Strike
In Strike, a young mole fulfills his dream of playing soccer and helps his team save their homeland from an evil villain. This animated film offers young viewers a light-hearted story of courage, friendship, and teamwork.
Offside
Offside is a suspenseful and engaging soccer film that centers around a group of Iranian girls who try to sneak into a World Cup qualifying match in Tehran. This film gives kids a unique perspective on the love for soccer across different cultures, while also highlighting the importance of gender equality in sports.
Essential Themes in Soccer Movies
Soccer movies for kids often incorporate various essential themes that not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons to young audiences. Some of the most common themes covered in these movies are perseverance, teamwork, identity, learning, and character strengths.
Perseverance plays a crucial role in soccer-centric movies as they depict how young players face challenges and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. One such film that showcases this theme is The Big Green, which revolves around a misfit soccer team from Texas. By displaying determination and resilience, characters in these movies inspire kids to never give up, no matter how hard the situation may seem.
Another vital theme is teamwork, which highlights the importance of collaboration and camaraderie in achieving success, whether it’s on the soccer field or in life. Movies like Kicking and Screaming demonstrate how working together and believing in one another can help a team overcome all odds. With teamwork as a central theme, these movies emphasize the significance of putting aside individual differences and working towards mutual goals.
Soccer movies frequently explore the theme of identity as well. Characters in these stories often struggle with finding their place in the world or defining themselves through their passion for the sport. This journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance teaches adolescents the value of embracing one’s individuality while respecting others.
Moreover, an integral theme in these movies is the opportunity to learn. The protagonists in soccer movies typically start with little to no knowledge about the sport and must acquire new skills, strategies, and techniques as they progress. This focus on learning and growth inspires young viewers to be open-minded and embrace new experiences in life.
Lastly, soccer movies emphasize character strengths such as courage, loyalty, humility, and adaptability. Throughout these films, players must navigate various challenges that test their moral and ethical compasses. By conquering hardships and showcasing the strength of character, these characters can serve as role models for children.
In summary, soccer movies for kids cover several essential themes that resonate with young audiences. By depicting perseverance, teamwork, identity, learning, and character strengths, these films engage and educate children while imparting valuable life lessons.
Familiar Teams and Players in Soccer Movies
There are numerous soccer movies that prominently feature various teams and players in their storylines. In these movies, audiences are often delighted to see their favorite teams and stars from the real world of soccer. The following paragraphs will discuss some of these films and their relation to familiar soccer entities.
Goal! The Dream Begins
Goal! The Dream Begins (2005) is an inspirational film that showcases the thrilling journey of a Mexican immigrant, Santiago Muñez, who rises from humble beginnings to play for Newcastle United, an English Premier League team. The movie does a remarkable job capturing the ups and downs of Santiago’s career while providing fans with a close-up look at the world of professional soccer.
The Damned United
In The Damned United (2009) we witness the turbulent 44-day tenure of Brian Clough as the manager of Leeds United Football Club, a team that he once vehemently despised, in the 1970s. The movie does not shy away from Clough’s controversial tactics and explores the rocky relationship between him and his team. Leeds United fans will appreciate this biographical drama that dives deep into the history of their club.
Escape to Victory
Escape to Victory (1981) offers a unique blend of soccer and WWII history. Set in a German POW camp, the story revolves around a group of Allied prisoners who form a soccer team to compete against their captors. True soccer connoisseurs will be excited to know that the movie features cameos from legendary players such as Pelé, Bobby Moore, and Osvaldo Ardiles.
Maradona by Kusturica
Diego Maradona, one of the most influential and iconic soccer players in history, takes center stage in the documentary Maradona by Kusturica (2008). Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Emir Kusturica, the film combines archival footage and interviews, offering viewers a comprehensive, yet intimate, look into Maradona’s life both on and off the field.
Benefits of Watching Soccer Movies for Kids
Watching soccer movies can have numerous benefits for children. For starters, these films often showcase the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication to a common goal. Kids can learn valuable life lessons while witnessing the challenges and triumphs of their favorite soccer players on screen.
Many soccer movies feature inspiring stories of underdogs overcoming obstacles, depicting the power of determination and hard work. For instance, in the movie The Big Green, a misfit soccer team bands together under a supportive coach. These films teach children not to give up easily and remind them that success often comes from perseverance.
Soccer movies can also encourage children to read books related to their favorite sport, expanding their understanding and appreciation of the game. As a result, children may become more invested in soccer and get inspired to play themselves, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
In addition, many soccer films for kids showcase the beauty of different countries and cultures. From the vibrant streets of Brazil to the charming landscapes of England, these movies can inspire a love for travel and learning about other cultures among young viewers.
Soccer movies can be an excellent bonding opportunity for families. Movies like Kicking and Screaming with Will Ferrell and Robert Duvall not only entertain children but appeal to dads and moms alike, creating memorable shared experiences. Moreover, watching soccer movies with strong female characters can empower young girls and challenge gender stereotypes in sports.
Lastly, soccer movies often highlight the critical role of a dedicated coach involved in a child’s life. This can encourage kids to appreciate their coaches and the support and guidance they provide both on and off the field.
Therefore, soccer movies for kids offer a variety of benefits, from imparting essential life values to promoting cultural understanding and family bonding.
Finding Soccer Movies
When it comes to finding soccer movies for kids, there are several platforms to consider. Netflix and Amazon Prime offer a selection of soccer-themed movies and TV shows that cater to different age groups, including teens. These platforms provide a convenient way to stream content on various devices, ensuring a fun family movie night at home with some popcorn.
Another great source for soccer movies, especially documentaries, is YouTube. There is an abundance of kid-friendly content available, including short films, documentaries, and even game recaps. With the wide variety of content available on YouTube, you can tailor the viewing experience according to the interests and maturity levels of the viewers.
For those with a passion for the sport, don’t stop with just movies. Encourage children and teens to explore various soccer-related books, both fiction and nonfiction. They can find books about soccer stars, team histories, and strategies for playing the game. This will help broaden their knowledge and appreciation for the sport even further.
For a more interactive experience, soccer video games are also an enjoyable way for kids and teens to engage with the sport. Soccer moms and dads can join in on the fun, making it a perfect way to spend quality time together as a family.
When selecting soccer movies and related content, it’s crucial to ensure that the material is age-appropriate. Common Sense Media provides a helpful list of the best soccer movies, TV shows, and documentaries that cater to different age groups. Additionally, you can find reviews and ratings to help guide your choices based on the platform you choose to watch the content on, such as Netflix, Amazon, or YouTube.
In summary, finding soccer movies for kids is relatively easy with the multitude of platforms and resources available. A combination of movies, documentaries, books, and games will keep young soccer enthusiasts entertained and eager to learn more about the beautiful game.
Conclusion
The world of soccer offers a great opportunity to introduce children to the values of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. A wide variety of sports movies are available, especially focusing on football as the ultimate team sport. These football movies are designed to entertain and educate young viewers, helping them appreciate the beauty of the game, and inspiring them to become lifelong soccer enthusiasts.
Some notable family-friendly soccer movies include The Big Green, Kicking and Screaming, and Holy Goalie. These movies not only showcase the excitement of soccer, but also deliver important life lessons to their young audiences.
To further engage children in the sport, consider exploring international and multicultural soccer movies such as the 11 Soccer Movies for Kids from Around the World. Films in this list originate from various countries and offer diverse perspectives on soccer, making it an enriching experience for young viewers who want to learn more about the sport beyond their local context.
In summary, soccer movies for kids can provide a fun and educational experience, while fostering a love for the sport. With a wide range of options to choose from, there is certainly a film that will resonate with every child who has a passion for soccer, or is simply looking to learn about the game and its values.
