7 Reasons We (Regretfully) Allow Bullying by Coaches
“You’re the dumbest smart kid I know.”This is how the “winning” football coach at a small Texas town speaks to his players. He demeans them, rules by fear, and everyone in town is thrilled
Read More9 Ways for a Parent to Support the Youth Soccer Goalkeeper
Parenting, of course, has its challenges. Parenting a Youth Soccer Player adds another level of challenges to negotiate. Parenting a GOALKEEPER – that’s a whole new level.While parents of
Read More6 Ways to Handle a Crazy Soccer Parent
Oh no, a Crazy Soccer Parent has infiltrated the sidelines and is ruining it for you Non-Crazy Soccer Parents!Gone are the relatively calm youth soccer games of last season where you sit comfortably in
Read MoreParents are NOT the Problem, They are the Solution. How to Fix Youth Sports.
Okay. I’ve had enough!I am completely fed up with how Youth Sports Parents are being vilified in the media and being lumped, en masse, into one group of Crazy Sports Parents! Come on! Do you seriously
Read More3 Ways to Relieve Stress following the U.S. Soccer Birth Year Registration Mandates
I’m calling on the wisdom of the ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus in dealing with my stress over the U.S. Soccer Birth Year Age Registration mandates. Epictetus said: “There is only one way
Read MoreParents Need Education about Minor Injury Treatment
I spent one of the last weeks of my summer working a SoccerPlus Camp at Northfield Mt. Hermon in Massachusetts. It was great to be back in the camp mix for many reasons: Old and new friends on staff,
Read MoreA Soccer Game is Like A Chess Match – Every Position Matters
I had a parent email me last week seeking advice for how to help her 10 year old son deal with the fact that the coach is playing him as a defender, whereas he’s usually played as a forward. It wasn’t
Read MoreWhat In the World Is A 6? U.S. Soccer Numbers – Explained
There were blank stares from many of the soccer players in the group. You could almost hear them silently begging Coach Brunner, “PLEEEASE, don’t call on me.” Some in the group were cautiously
Read MoreWhen 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
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