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Category: development

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Development

What Actually Predicts Success in Soccer Talent Identification?

Identifying future soccer stars isn’t as simple as watching who can dribble or score a goal. Over the past decades, researchers and scouts alike have learned that success in talent identification comes from a blend of skills, attributes, and contextual factors. In this post, we unpack the multi-dimensional factors that predict long-term success in soccer […]

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Development

Do Small-Sided Games Actually Improve Game Intelligence?

Small-sided games (SSGs) have become a popular training tool in soccer, with the claim that they not only enhance technical skills but also boost “game intelligence.” But what does the research say about these benefits, and how do SSGs contribute to a better understanding of space and decision-making on the pitch? What Are Small-Sided Games? […]

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Development

Does Early Specialization Actually Help Young Soccer Players?

When it comes to developing talent in soccer, one of the most hotly debated topics is early specialization—whether focusing on soccer at a very young age is the best route to long-term success. Let’s explore what early specialization entails, the potential benefits and drawbacks, and what current research suggests about its role in youth soccer […]

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Development

Why Futsal Makes Smarter, Fitter Players

A coach once told me, “You can spot a futsal kid in five seconds—they think faster.” He wasn’t wrong. Across youth academies worldwide—from Brazil to Spain to rising programs in the U.S.—futsal is becoming the secret weapon for sharper touches, quicker decisions, and smarter movement. But why does it work? And what does the science […]

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Development

Enhancing Performance, Safety, and Fan Engagement

The intersection of science and sports has never been more prominent than in soccer. As athletes push the boundaries of human capability, scientific advancements are paving the way for enhanced performance, injury prevention, and deeper fan engagement. Soccer scientists are at the forefront, using rigorous research to transform insights into practical applications on the field. […]

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Development

The Neuroscience of Soccer: How Passion and Loyalty Ignite the Brain

Neuroscientists have been studying the passionate world of soccer to understand the complex emotions that fans experience. These emotions range from elation to despair and sometimes even violence. A new study involving brain scans of soccer fans reveals intricate details on how passion and rage are processed within the brain. Understanding the Emotional Highs and […]

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Development

Big Change Coming in Youth Soccer: New Age Groups Start Fall 2026

If you have a child in youth soccer, get ready because starting in Fall 2026, age groups across the America will shift to a new seasonal calendar. This update changes how players are assigned to U-levels (U6, U7, U8, etc.) and is based on your child’s birthdate. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters. What’s […]

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Development

How Simple Cues Shape Young Soccer Players’ Kicks

Every coach has yelled it: “Keep your eye on the ball!” But what if that classic advice is actually hurting performance—especially for young players? A new study in Scientific Reports by Golnoosh Abdi and colleagues (2025) tackled this age-old question head-on. Researchers worked with 112 girls aged 10–12, none of whom played organized soccer, to […]

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Development

Why Some Talented Girls Never Get Seen

Picture this: a 14-year-old midfielder in rural Michigan wakes up at 4 a.m. for a six-hour drive to a weekend tournament—just for a scout to see her play 45 minutes. Across the country, another player in San Jose practices daily at a world-class facility funded by club sponsors. Both love soccer, but only one has […]

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