NOTE: I was given a Soccer Guys set to review but all opinions are my own.
When our sons were small, they enjoyed playing with the little green army guys. You know what I’m talking about, right? The 2-inch-tall plastic fellas that pointed a gun and were a drab, army green color? The ones that hurt like the dickens if you stepped on them when you were barefoot? Yeah. Those.
Well. We are in a new century since then. (Saying that makes me feel old. That’s probably because I am . . . ) This new century brought changes to action figures. And, boy howdy, they are marvelous changes!
KasKey Kids has developed action figures based on sports — soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and hockey. Each set comes in a stackable, plastic container with an attached lid and handles. Everything can be kept inside for easy storing. Sweet.
Depending on the sport, the figures display that sport’s action. For instance, the baseball players are pitching, catching, batting, and running. The football players are throwing a pass, carrying a football, blocking, or poised on the line of scrimmage waiting to block a play. Much more variation in pose than those poor army guys.
These sets contain other things that coordinate with the sport: a soccer field, basketball court, or an ice rink. There are referees, umpires, goal posts, hoops, or hockey goals. The baseball set even comes with a scoreboard. Cool!
Let’s take a look at the soccer set that I received.
Sturdy — that’s what I first thought when I saw this set. These action figures are durable, strong, and will last through lots of playing time. That’s a big plus in my book! (My grandson’s, too, since he wants to play with them all the time.)
I like that children can spend many hours of open-ended play with these action figures. Kids can use their imagination as they have the figures ‘play’ the game. No technology here, folks. Awesome! (I whole-heartedly support ‘unplugged’ play.)
The set included an instruction booklet with basic rules and strategies. I liked that. While my grandson is too young to read at the moment, he can refer to it when he gets older. The booklet is a great reference to help youngsters learn how to play soccer.
These sets are very appealing to kids. My grandson got the soccer set just before lunch. He was so antsy to start playing with it that he didn’t want to eat! (And for him, that really says something!)
As he played, he laid his head down on the table and made the soccer players ‘talk’ to each other. When he’d make them score a goal, he would say, “Goooooooaaaaaaaal!” He sounded just like the commentators do at soccer games. It was so cute. (But then I’m not prejudiced in anyway. No siree, Bob!)
When my granddaughters came home from school, they thought the soccer set was so cool that they commandeered the toys. They didn’t want to stop playing with them and go do their homework and chores.
As you can see, the felt playing field should have been ironed before my grandson started playing. But he didn’t want to wait. Ironing wasn’t important to him.
That is my only concern. The felt will have creases when stored in the box and will need to be ironed before play. But then, kids probably won’t be bothered by the creases like a grandmother might be . . .
These toys are kid approved, mom approved, and grandma approved. It can’t get any better than that!
These are wonderful toys. (They even have a soccer set for girls where the action figures wear pink shirts!) They would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift. Or, get them just because they are great to play with!
Check them out at Kaskey Sports Action. At $24.99, I think they are a terrific bargain.
