It is contact if you know how to play. I play sweeper, and kick some serious tush at it. All you have to do is be there first, then lower the shoulder, and bam!
Im playind D on my High school team this year. I have a problem with staying in because the rule on our team is if you get a yellow card you sit out the rest of the game. I also get called for roughness because I shoulder alot of people. But soccers great to stay fit.