Soccer Positions Explained

Descriptive Transcript

[Upbeat music plays, background shouts and bangs]

DESCRIPTION: On an indoor hard court, a cameraman films T.V.O. Kids host Gabrielle and Coach Ann-Merrie. Gabrielle has short brown hair and wears a purple T.V.O. Kids t-shirt. She holds a soccer ball in her left hand. Coach Ann-Merrie has long brown hair and wears a blue jacket with white stripes on the sleeves over a black shirt. Video footage shows Coach Ann-Merrie kicking a soccer ball into a net at one end of the court. Coach Ann-Merrie waves.

GABRIELLE: I'm here on the field with Coach Ann-Merrie, and we're talking about the World Cup coming to Toronto, and I do have a question. One thing that can be confusing is who does what on a soccer team? Coach, can you break down the positions?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: Of course. So, let's start with the goalies. The goalie's job is to protect the net and stop the other team from scoring.

GABRIELLE: Okay, I see how that works. And they get to use their hands, right?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: They're the only ones that get to use their hands, yeah.

GABRIELLE: Okay, and then you've got defenders?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: So defenders, they help by protecting the goal and stopping the other team from scoring, and they get the ball back.

GABRIELLE: Oh, I see how that works. What about midfielders? They're kind of everywhere, right?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: Exactly. So they go between the defence and the forwards, and they move the ball between them.

GABRIELLE: Okay, I guess they're in the middle of the field, right?

DESCRIPTION: Coach Ann-Merrie nods.

COACH ANN-MERRIE: That's why they're called midfielders.

GABRIELLE: Okay, now who's at the front?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: So those are the forwards, and their job is to try to score the goals.

GABRIELLE: Oh, I guess that's why they're forward, okay. And how many players are on a soccer team?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: So, there's usually 11 on the field, but you'll often have some on the bench, and their job is to help out if someone gets tired or hurt.

DESCRIPTION: Gabrielle wipes her brow and imitates flicking sweat away.

GABRIELLE: Yes, that's because sometimes I be getting so tired! Now, what is your personal favourite position on the team?

COACH ANN-MERRIE: Mine is midfield, because they get to go everywhere and help everybody out.

GABRIELLE: Aw, that's such a nice answer. Well, there you go, T.V.O. Kids. Now you know all the positions in soccer. But there's another important position, too. Being a fan! Cheering loudly for your team helps give the players a leg up over the competition. Why don't you practice your cheering, and I'll see you next time. Bye!

DESCRIPTION: Gabrielle and Coach Ann-Merrie wave.