There has long been belief that playing small sided games in the streets is where many of the world’s most technical players were developed. Latin American countries are always looked at as an epicenter of playing small sided games in the streets. There are countless players at the highest level who credit street soccer in aiding their development as players when they were young.
Nike is taking a look at the impact of small sided games throughout Latin America through a four part series that dives into the small-sided heritage in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile.
Football in Latin America is much more than a sport or hobby. It is a passion that has built national identities. Football helps people learn how to express themselves, forge friendships and bond with their community.
Over the last century the region has molded some of the most awe-inspiring players and technically gifted teams that football has ever seen – with unparalleled consistency. When looking for a reason behind this phenomenon, it becomes clear immediately:
In Latin America football begins with small-sided.
I can’t wait to see how this whole series unfolds. On a very personal level, I love small sided games in the streets. Or anywhere actually. So seeing what small sided games look like around Latin America has my interest piqued for solely selfish reasons. But I think this series can spark a larger conversation here in the US. Developing more technical players in the US is something that gets talked about quite a bit and something that everyone involved with soccer in America wants to see. But actually going about and making that happen isn’t so easy. So the opportunity to see in depth some of what is taking place in countries where extremely technical players are developed should provide some insight for all of us. Maybe it helps spark new or deeper conversations on this topic. And that has to be a good thing for American soccer.
