This past weekend the 10U girls’ team I coach played in a tournament. Our first game of the tournament was bright and early Saturday morning. I took notice as my team was gathering during warm up as the voice of the opposing coach bellowed across the field and through the crisp fall air. His commanding, demanding, and booming tone, definitely audible a field or two away, was incessant. “Focus … [Read more...]
Kobe Bryant talks Soccer at the Aspen Institute’s Project Play
I had the pleasure of sitting front row at the Aspen Institute's Project Play Summit earlier this month - as Basketball Legend Kobe Bryant was interviewed by Keven Carroll in a discussion entitled "The Meaning of Play, with Kobe Bryant." Some important points are raised about early skill acquisition, the importance of learning how to THINK the game, and the role of coaches when it comes to … [Read more...]
Why Are Lessons in Humanity Forgotten When It Comes to Referees?
“I can’t sleep on a Saturday night if I think I’ve got something wrong.” That line is from a story written about what life is like as a referee in one of the most demanding locations in world football. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/oct/13/football-ref-hostile-players-irate-fans-decisions But I don't live there. I live here. I live right here in the United States. And that … [Read more...]
United Soccer Coaches Launches “Commitment to Culture” Campaign
Last January, at the United Soccer Coaches Convention, I was invited to take part in a one day Summit of coaches from various levels and geographies of the United States. We were charged with "developing a framework of fundamental beliefs that coaches could collectively support to build a positive soccer playing culture in America." It was a very thorough process and the result provided the … [Read more...]
A Discussion About Playing Surfaces
Wednesday, September 19 8:30 am I arrived to Boulder, Colorado yesterday for the Brock USA Summit: Protect the Player, Protect the Game: Creating the Optimal Sports Environment for the Athlete. While most of the traveling I do for the Soccer Parenting Association involves speaking and coach/parent education – this is a conference I was invited to attend as an observer. I am looking forward to … [Read more...]
Youth Soccer Inspires Players When This Happens
Christian Lavers, president of the ECNL used the term: “Collaboration is a force multiplier” recently on a 3four3 podcast interview. While Christian was referencing the collaborative efforts amongst coaches in the ECNL – I couldn’t help but relate this “Force Multiplier” concept to the collaboration that should exist between coaches and parents when youth soccer is working well. The paths of a … [Read more...]
7 Ways for Parents to Inspire their Youth Soccer Player
When it comes to youth soccer, the term “parent engagement” needs some clarification. Understandably there is some confusion around this currently popular and trending term. I've heard from parents saying they feel like they are receiving mixed messages: “Let your child lead the way” on one hand, and “Be more involved in their soccer journey” on the other. The confusion is understandable. In … [Read more...]
Remembering Tony DiCicco: A Leader U.S. Soccer Must Emulate
A year ago today the most winning coach in U.S. Soccer history, a soccer legend who positively influenced the lives of thousands and thousands of players, coaches, and fans - Tony DiCicco – left this world. I was lucky enough to have worked for Tony’s SoccerPlus Camps as a Staff Coach and Director for over 10 years. One of my life’s greatest honors was being asked to speak at Tony’s Memorial … [Read more...]
Who You Use as Examples and Role Models Matters
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...]
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