Developing vocabulary
Name
Let’s Play Soccer!
Soccer is the world’s most popular sport. It is played in many countries all over
the world. Every four years, an international competition is held. It is called the
World Cup.
A soccer field is rectangular with a goal on each end. Each goal is made of a
rectangular, net-covered frame. The game is played with a soccer ball. The ball is
usually made of leather and is filled with air.
Two teams compete against each other. One point is awarded to a team
when it scores a goal. Whichever team scores the most goals wins the game.
There are 11 players on each team. Forwards have the most responsibility to
score goals. Sometimes forwards are called strikers. They are helped by
teammates who play at midfield. These players are sometimes called halfbacks.
Halfbacks help to score goals and try to keep the other team’s ball away from
the goal. Other teammates play farther back on the field to defend their goal.
They try to keep the other team from getting close enough to score. They are
sometimes called fullbacks. Each team has one goalie whose job is to keep the
other team from scoring by blocking the ball or catching it before it goes into the
goal. A goalie may catch or throw the ball, but no other players may use their
hands. They may use their feet, legs, chest, or head to move the ball. A referee
will penalize a team if any players other than the goalie use their hands. Soccer is
definitely a team sport. All the positions are important in winning the game.
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© Scholastic Teaching Resources
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Scholastic Success With Reading Comprehension • Grade 3
13
longer existing
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