Hermosa Beach, CA – On the eve of Summer 2008, the Hermosa Beach Soccer Club (www.HermosaBeachSoccerClub.com) today released a message to current and potential soccer moms and dads – “Let them play!”

 According to recurring medical studies, youth soccer is a relatively safe sport.  While injuries do occur, the injuries are typically minor injuries such as bumps and bruises that occur through low-risk collisions in the normal course of a game or practice.  However, the physical and other health benefits are also significant and may offset the downside of an occasional bruise or skinned knee.

 While soccer is considered a high-contact sport and injuries do occur, the frequency and extent of injury in recreational youth soccer is significantly lessened through proper supervision and monitoring for dangerous play.  Studies have found that the younger and more recreational the play, the lesser the extent of injuries.

  “Apart from the obvious health benefits provided by a sport that is constantly in motion, soccer provides other benefits such as learning to interact in a group, leadership, goal setting and discipline,” said Jesse Torres, Club Founder and Division 30 player.  “Soccer has been a driving force in my life for over three decades.  From maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to providing me with teamwork and leadership skills, to pushing me to be and do my best - soccer is partly responsible for all of it.  Sure I’ve had my share of scrapes and bruises.  But in the end, the price paid has been far exceeded by the benefits received.”

  “Soccer is such an amazing sport.  Few sports give and take so much from the player.  With the constant play and movement, it is difficult to hide on a soccer field.  Soccer requires you to participate and give.  But soccer also gives so much back,” said Brian Dragich, HBSC President.  “To sound cliché, soccer is more than a sport – it is a way of living.  It is a teacher and a motivator as well as a beautiful game.  While soccer is not for everyone, there’s a reason it is the world’s most popular sport.  Get your children out there and let them play!”

 The Hermosa Beach Soccer Club extends its gratitude to its generous 2007/2008 sponsors: Del Amo Construction (DelAmoConstruction.com), Elliott/Drinkward Construction (ElliottDrinkward.com), TomatoBank, N.A. (TomatoBank.com), Coastline Steel (CoastlineSteel.com), Quality Seafood (QualitySeafood.net), SCS Engineering Inc (SCSEngineering.com) and FFI Soccer Magazine (FFISoccer.com).

 The Hermosa Beach Soccer Club was founded in 2000. Located in Los Angeles’ South Bay, HBSC is home to men’s Premier, Over-30 and Over-40 teams as well as a women’s Premier team.

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