When Does Sport Specialization Make Sense?
It’s an accepted fact that Youth Sports Specialization can lead to burn out, over-use injuries, and potentially the lack of development of the “complete athlete.” So, knowing this, why am I allowing
Read More4 Real Issues to Consider Before Switching to Birth Year Registration
U.S. Soccer’s recent announcement of the new Player Development Initiatives has, rightly so, garnered a tremendous amount of attention.While a portion of the discussion has been about the technical
Read MoreWhy We Do This
What a gift I was given a couple of weeks ago! While most parents dropped their kids off for soccer camp – I was fortunate enough to go (and stay) with mine!I decided to return to SoccerPlus Camps to
Read MoreParent and Coach Communication Collaboration
Conversations are constantly happening between the coach and player about the demands of the game, technical adjustments, tactical teaching and more. The majority of conversations do not and should not
Read MoreShould My Child Play Up?
A number of parents have contacted me recently with questions about children playing up to their Graduation Year vs. Playing in their Birth Year. It’s a relevant and important subject, and worthy of
Read MoreWrap Both Knees?
What a horrible feeling it is to watch your child limp off the field injured.My daughter has been anticipating the Jefferson Cup Tournament all winter. Her team has been training 4 days a week since January
Read MoreSometimes DIFFERENT is Better
The article I published last week, 6 Reasons Parents Should Not Watch Practice, was republished by SoccerAmerica’s Youth Soccer Insider and widely distributed via Social Media. My intention
Read More6 Reasons Parents Should NOT Watch Practice
The idea for this article struck me as I sat in my car after dropping off a carpool of girls to practice last week. I was scheduled to drive the carpool both ways and it made sense to stay at the fields
Read MorePlay 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
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