All depends on what your idea of "budget" is. Outdoors and kids soccer has 70-300 written all over it, and the plain 70-300 (minus VR) should fit into most folk's budget. With soccer, VR will not help you much. Having said that, the 70-300 VR is a GREAT lens. I've owned it for many years, and even though I can run a 70-200 2.8, I often go lighter with with the little more reach of the 70-300. If your budget can stretch, I'm of the opinion that you just cannot beat a 70-200 2.8 for the type of photography you're doing. It's awesome in every way and will do all you need and more next to the soccer field. But, some people just do not want to spend that money, or do not want to carry the weight. For those, the 70-300 will get the job done. My 2 cents worth.
