Play College Soccer: 4 Factors to Consider
I am thrilled to welcome Ed McLaughlin, Athletic Director at Virginia Commonwealth University and a parent of 3 elite youth soccer players to SoccerParenting. Ed’s first article, “Five
Read MoreA Master Lesson in Being a Teammate
I am thrilled to welcome Ed McLaughlin, Athletic Director at Virginia Commonwealth University and a parent of 3 elite youth soccer players to SoccerParenting. Ed’s first article, “Five
Read More5 Lessons for Youth Athletes Who Dream of Playing College Sports
Over my 20 years in college athletics and the last nine as a Div. I athletic director, I have enjoyed working directly with several high-level men’s and women’s soccer programs. I have the fortune
Read MoreParenting and the Mental Side of the Game
Time and time again we have been told to leave the coaching to the coach, and for the most part we are successful in this regard.During games, we are asked to not coach from the sidelines and we understand
Read MoreIn the Interest of Player Development
I am proud to be a Board Member at the Richmond Strikers (Virginia) where in the past 6 months we made a decision to join forces ONLY in the programming for the US Soccer Developmental Academy for boys
Read More6 Ways to Support Our Soccer Playing Children
Society has changed dramatically from when we were kids, and if our children are athletically or academically driven and talented – the carefree nature of “just being a kid” seems to be on the brink
Read MoreThe Parent-Coach Communication Divide
In my decades of coaching at the youth/club level and in my decade of being a soccer parent, I have often found myself contemplating THE COMMUNICATION DIVIDE THAT EXISTS BETWEEN PARENTS AND COACHES.We
Read MoreSoccer Tryouts – Stress for Players…and Parents!
Soccer Tryouts.The time of year we sometimes find ourselves lying awake in bed at night stressing over the future of our young soccer player.The time of year we find our hearts beating in our throats as
Read MoreA Scholarship is Not the Objective
Nothing shocks me more than a CRAZY SOCCER parent of a 12 year old player saying they are happy to pay for the youth sports now because it will lead to a college scholarship and money savings
Read MoreYouth Soccer Concussions: What Part Does Fear Play?
THOUGHTS FROM BEING KICKED IN THE HEADI got kicked in the head a few weeks ago! Yep, my 41 year old self, kicked in the head while coaching our U-14 Boys Academy Goalkeepers. I hopped in goal because we
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