“Just for Kicks” ”  Hand Signed by Kentucky Artist C. Don Ensor

copyright 1986 

Signed only edition of 4000  

size 16”x12” 

The second in a series of four sports prints by C. Don Ensor

Companion print to "Little Shoes, Big Dreams", "Just for Kicks", and "Gridiron Gladiators"

Print Info:

“The most rapidly growing participation sports in America today is probably Soccer.  It was played in America as early as 1870, but our version of Football soon overtook it in popularity.  In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Soccer began its popularity climb.  Youth Soccer Leagues were formed all over the country and now Soccer is being played by all ages.

Soccer is played on a field 100 or 115 yards long and 50 to 75 yards wide.  A goal at each end of the filed measures 8 feet high by 24 feet wide and is backed by a net.  A goalie is assigned at each goal to prevent the opposing players from kicking or “heading” the ball into the net.  The ball is 27” or 28” in diameter ad can only be advanced by kicking or dribbling with the feet, or by using the head.  A team consists of 11 players.  The game is played in two 45 minute periods with a 10 minute break at half time.  No time outs are allowed, and a player must build a great deal of endurance.

Soccer is played in over 125 countries throughout the world.  Derby, England claims the origin of Soccer in A.D. 217.  Football-type gamers were played by the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.  The Mayan Indians had a form of Soccer played with a small hard ball that had to be put through a hole in a protruding stone place on a wall about 15 or 20 feet above the ground.  They Mayans were so intense with this game that in some tournaments, the losing players were put to death!  I recall seeing my first Soccer games in Italy in 1945, played by German prisoners of war.  They had no Soccer shoes and played in American Combat boots that had been issued to them!

We want to thank Bob and Barbara Spears and their son Andy for supplying us with all the equipment depicted in this print.  Andy plays in the Oldham County Youth Soccer Association in Kentucky.

We hope you enjoy this print.  Little League Football and Basketball prints will be forthcoming.

Thank you,

Don and Genny Ensor”