6 Outdoor Pastimes That Soccer Players Would Enjoy

One of the best ways to build team camaraderie is by participating in activities outside the soccer field. One roadblock you might face is that kids under 12 aren’t yet eligible for the vaccine, although they are coming soon. Meanwhile, their families might hesitate to join you for a game of indoor laser tag.

Outdoor activities are safer, and why not take advantage of the beautiful weather during the summer months? Here are six pastimes soccer players and their families would enjoy.

1. Bouldering

Bouldering combines the joy of going hiking with the thrill of climbing — without ropes and carabiners. Instead, when you find an appropriate location, you scramble your way up the rocks freestyle with only a mattress to catch you if you fall.

You’ll need to invest in some gear, such as a landing pad and chalk. You can buy specialized climbing shoes or go barefoot with a pair of flip-flops to protect your soles from the trail. While helmets aren’t traditionally used indoors, they’re critical for outdoor climbs where you could fall and hit a rock — please protect your team members’ heads.

2. Hunting

Children 12 and older are permitted to hunt in many jurisdictions. Even if your team members don’t want to bag game, they can still enjoy the multiple benefits of getting out in the forest with the crew and perhaps honing their sharpshooting skills.

Before you take your team hunting, please review all applicable rules and regulations, including the weapons permitted for use and when you can hunt in your jurisdiction. You may wish to enroll your team in a hunter’s safety course so they understand what to do before they hit the forest.

Any outdoor pastime could help boost your team’s immune system. Researchers investigated people who participated in the Japanese practice of forest bathing. They discovered an increased number and activity in natural killer cells, which are vital for fighting infection. The effects lasted up to 30 days after an overnight trip in the forest, thanks to the magic of phytoncides, chemicals plants emit.

3. Paddleboard Yoga

Core strength enables your players to twist and change direction on the field while maintaining their center of gravity and balance. Yoga is one of the best activities for developing this quality while increasing flexibility and potentially decreasing injury risk. For a challenging twist, try it on a paddleboard.

With summer here, you have a much better chance of finding a class at your local pool or even the beach. Your players will have a blast — and if they lose their balance, they’ll make a fun splash.

4. Frisbee Golf

You could drop a bundle on greens fees to take your team to a traditional golf course. However, if your budget is tight, you only need a wide-open space to play a frisbee version that your players might enjoy even more.

While there are professional frisbee golf courses, you can also use baskets and discs from discount stores. You can also invent unique twists on game rules, such as bizarro or disc steal.

5. Mountain Biking

Your soccer players need strong legs, and mountain biking is one of the best ways to carve killer hamstrings and quadriceps. Plus, you can soak in some of your area’s most gorgeous scenery.

Before heading to the trail, ensure you have a bike repair kit so a flat tire doesn’t ruin your ride. Make sure all your members wear helmets, and know your limits — many trails have a rating system.

6. Adventure Races

With vaccines here, many races canceled in 2020 are getting back on the schedule. Why not sign your team up for an adventure version?

These competitions have you sliding your way through mud pits and climbing over obstacles. It’s the ideal way for your players to train their entire bodies while having a blast. Plus, competing as a team during the off-season gets them in the mood to cheer each other to victory on the field.

Delight Your Players With These Outdoor Pastimes They’ll Enjoy

Team building during the off-season can boost your on-field chemistry when game time begins. Your players will enjoy these six outdoor pastimes that will improve their abilities and their friendships.

Author Bio:

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.