What coach or parent has not used the talents of a famous player as an example? How they trained, their work ethic, stories of their youth and their skills on the field. These are all used by coaches and parents to motivate young players. These examples not only show them skills to aspire to, they also serve to provide role models and as examples of their potential. Young players who watch and … [Read more...]
Why BOOT IT is a Four Letter Word
...And not necessarily the safe option It’s something you hear at soccer games at all ages and levels in the United States all too often: A player wins possession of a ball deep in their own half and immediately the call rings out from at least one parent on the sideline, and often from the coach and team mates as well…. “BOOT IT!” Or “SEND IT!” or “GET RID OF IT!” And every time … [Read more...]
Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse with the Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017
The following press release regarding “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017,” which is new federal legislation signed into law effective Feb. 14, 2018 has been widely distributed this past week via various soccer organizations such as US Club Soccer, United Soccer Coaches and others. United Soccer Coaches has been working via a grant with Raliance to … [Read more...]
The Importance of Small Sided Soccer Games, Equal Playing Time for All, and Not Forgetting the Late Bloomers!
One of my "must-listen to" Podcasts is from my good friend John O'Sullivan - the Way of Champions. Each week John interviews experts in sports, coaching , leadership and building championship programs and this past week did not disappoint! After listening to his spectacular interview with Kris van der Haegen, the Belgian FA Director of Coaching, I immediately reached out to John to ask if I … [Read more...]
What Parents Need to Know About Crumb Rubber, Synthetic Turf and Field Safety.
As more and more municipalities, schools and clubs are building turf fields, parents, coaches, and Board members must educate themselves about the different types of synthetic and grass playing surfaces. This interview from the 2017 Soccer Parenting Summit with Anthony DiCicco is a deep dive into the essential and requisite base of understanding that must be garnered by all people concerned with … [Read more...]
Sheriffs FC & DSAL Provide a Cost-Free Soccer Experience
Omar Cervantes reached out to me in response to the article I wrote Let's Be Reasonable: Stop Saying Eliminate Pay to Play telling me about his club in Northern California that is provided a cost-free experience to both their recreational and travel level players. I immediately asked to interview him for this Winning Club Culture series as I wanted to learn more and see if this is a model that … [Read more...]
Soccer Parenting Association announces Partnership with the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association
I am excited to announce this relationship between the Soccer Parenting Association and the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association. If you have not yet checked out the parent education platform MySoccerParenting.com - be sure to do so! It's is a constantly expanding resource for youth soccer parents. Now all clubs in South Carolina can provide access to their families at a substantial … [Read more...]
Thank You, Dr. Machnik
Later tonight Dr. Joseph Machnik will be inducted into the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, an honor he deserves for his roles in coach and goalkeeper education, as a referee, coach, commentator, leader and pioneer. Dr. Machnik’s legacy runs deep, and I am immensely proud to say I am even a small part of it. As a young staff coach for the No. 1 Camps, Doc’s belief in me inspired me towards a career in … [Read more...]
Soccer Leaders Chime In On “Why Parent Engagement is Important”
The term "Parent Engagement" has become a buzzword in youth soccer recently. Clubs are working to develop Parent Engagement Programs and, likewise, parents are being encouraged to get more involved. There is some confusion though. What does Parent Engagement mean? Parents often are confused because historically they have been told to DISengage. Parents know they don't want to hover or be a … [Read more...]
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