From elementary school through to college, soccer has always been a part of our lives. As we grow older, we realize we couldn't have ever predicted how many things would change. So here’s a little reminder of how things used to be and how soccer is now.
![Then: Tap Your Shin Guards, Show Your Studs Then: Tap Your Shin Guards, Show Your Studs](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-14-the18-shinguard.jpg?itok=Am5DBh3-)
"Who's fashioned their studs into shanks?!"
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-14-the18-cointoss.jpg?itok=b3dyIe1x)
"Sir...sir...sir."
![Then: Mini Field, Mini Goals, Maximum Love Then: Mini Field, Mini Goals, Maximum Love](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-14-the18-minisoccer.jpg?itok=6oxm2Aep)
Soccer = love. And the Kickin' Zebras had a world-class U-12 midfield.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-14-the18-turf.jpg?itok=TYMQl9xh)
American football brings a bigger audience. We all understand. But that's no excuse play real football on artificial turf.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-14-the18-parentscheer.jpg?itok=14VZ5o3X)
*someone kicks the ball really far*
"Wow! Great soccer play!"
![Now: Tactics Matter. No Spectators. Now: Tactics Matter. No Spectators.](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-14-the18-emptystands.png?itok=HjMllMlc)
Yes, there's more to football than being able to kick the ball really far. Sorry, Dad.
![Soccer Awards Soccer Trophies](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-trophies.jpg?itok=_z3Bb3Xu)
Trophies from soccer award shows.
We did great — we won the Participants trophy!
![WNY Flash 2016 NWSL Champions WNY Flash 2016 NWSL Champions](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-WNYFlash.jpg?itok=9SeD_Xet)
Western New York Flash are 2016 National Women's Soccer Champions!
The sad truth: the time for trophies is always diminishing.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-MIsoccer.jpg?itok=YZ2Nudai)
When did we all get so serious?
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-tunnelJ.jpg?itok=TLhIJrHP)
There's something so exhilarating about tunnels.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-seniornight.jpg?itok=OBnPMifi)
Mom, Dad. Just one more tunnel, please.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-oranges.jpg?itok=Wxcm3I1j)
It's like water but a PED.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-halftime.jpg?itok=aujBMw6O)
"We gotta work for each other! Fight for each other! Drink more Capri Sun!"
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-ballboy.jpg?itok=yp3my6_B)
That shot was high, wide and not-at-all-handsome.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-ballboy2.jpg?itok=m37z7xdk)
Ya'll need to work on your left-foot.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-soccertraining.jpg?itok=1oTw8pOd)
Friends, football and Saturday sunshine: this is the life.
![](https://the18.com/sites/default/files/styles/list_items_984px_wide/public/list-item-images/2016-11-18-the18-juggling.jpg?itok=buzYA4Jq)
I'm so tired.