By David F. Dawes

WITH the World Cup approaching, this would be an ideal time to read We Call it Soccer, a new book by Jerrad Peters (Studio Publications).

The book is not exactly 'soccer for dummies ' - but rather a guide for fans who might still be a bit confused about the vagaries of the game.

Peters provides a wealth of details about many different aspects of soccer, laid out in an easy-to-consult fashion. There are more than three dozen short sections, each of them headlined by a question which is dealt with in the following text. Subjects range from playing styles, fan participation and team nicknames to the Champions League, David Beckham and the Prawn Sandwich Brigade.

The author is the senior writer for Soccer 360 magazine, and managing editor for ChristianWeek. He has also written for the Winnipeg Free Press, the Globe & Mail and the Winnipeg Sun.

While he cites St. Louis and Los Angeles as the chief North American soccer centres, he also makes a strong case for two Canadian cities.

BMO Field in Toronto, Peters states, "has quickly become the home of soccer in Canada - and one of the sport 's North American temples." The home team, Toronto FC, has a number of fan clubs. The most colorful are evidently the Red Patch Boys, described thus: "Adorned in kit and face paint and equipped with flags and scarves, they sing from a memorized hymnal of songs written for the team."

While Vancouver Whitecaps fans have apparently not quite attained that exalted level, they are known for their loyalty. Peters notes that Vancouver has "potential [to be] a new North American soccer hotbed."

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He quotes sportscaster James Sharman of The Score Television Network, who says: "I really believe Vancouver has the potential to emerge as one of the top [soccer] cities. The British feel - the British influence - should not be underrated."

Peters also explores soccer and faith, in several ways.

Vatican City, he writes, has 16 soccer clubs which compete for the Clericus Cup. They are evidently known for "notoriously loud and competitive" games.

One of the most entertaining sections is Peters ' profile of the Church of Maradona -- named after one of Argentina 's most revered players. The author_notes that worshippers "are permitted to smoke and drink beer during the proceedings." At a key moment in the service, "an altar boy raises a soccer ball adorned with a crown of thorns" - at which point "the congregation sings songs recalling [Maradona 's] suspensions and mistreatment at the hands of FIFA."

The mass "also includes a time of sharing and reflection on Maradona 's miracles" -- such as his 'Hand of God ' goal against England in 1986. The author assures us the church is "a rather tongue-in-cheek organization."

Regarding devout Christian player Kaká, Peters says the charismatic star is potentially one of the greatest players of this era, and "could perform at the highest level for another six years. That's plenty of time to build on an already impressive legacy."

Speaking of Kaká, there is a recently published book for younger fans: Toward the Goal: The Kaká Story, by Jeremy V. Jones (ZonderKidz, 2010). The Brazilian star, who overcame a devastating injury in his teen years, has often been seen wearing t-shirts proclaiming his faith in Jesus. As a key player in the world's top-rated team, he will doubtless be one of the most closely-watched players during the World Cup games.

June 3/2010