Category: 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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Revolutionizing Soccer with Science: The Next Big Breakthroughs
Soccer, the world’s most beloved sport, is not immune to the power of science and technology. Recent developments in soccer science are poised to change the way the game is played and experienced by both players and fans. From biomechanics to artificial intelligence (AI), let’s explore the latest advancements that are set to revolutionize soccer. […]
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Boosting Soccer Training with Smarter Drill Choices
Every coach knows that not all training drills are created equal. But here’s the kicker—new research tracking over 65,000 drills from professional teams shows just how much drill choice shapes a player’s physical readiness, injury risk, and game-day performance. Whether you’re a grassroots coach or managing an elite squad, these insights can help you get […]
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Soccer vs. Screen Time: Mental Health on the Line
If you have children like my sons, it’s an ongoing struggle. Probably THE major flash point in our house. Brawl Stars vs. drills? If you’re a coach, parent, or club leader, you’ve likely seen it: young players distracted, disengaged, or simply glued to their phones. In a time where screen time often wins, new research […]
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Understanding the Impact of Altitude Training on Soccer Performance: The Science of Oxygen and Endurance
Altitude training has long been a staple in the world of endurance sports, with athletes seeking the benefits of higher elevations to boost their performance. But as the science of sports evolves, soccer teams are increasingly exploring altitude training as a way to enhance player endurance, speed, and overall performance on the field. What is […]
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Building Better Players: The 5 Cs Every Coach Should Develop
As volunteer and youth coaches, we often focus on technique, tactics, and fitness. But there’s another layer that can transform your team—one that goes beyond the pitch and shapes young players into confident, resilient individuals. It’s called the 5 Cs approach, and it’s rooted in research from Loughborough University and The FA. So, what are […]
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Unlocking Willpower Through Soccer
If you’ve ever coached a player who turns up to every practice, gives it their all, and fights back after a tough loss, you’ve seen willpower in action. But how do we actually help players develop that grit? A new study from researchers in China has the answer: campus football (soccer) activities significantly boost adolescent […]
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Fatigue in Beach Soccer
Picture this: It’s the final session of a three-day training camp. The players are dragging their feet. One winces mid-sprint. Another yawns through warmups. As a coach or club leader, you’ve been here before—but how can you know if your players are truly overworked or just having an off day? New research from Portugal’s elite […]
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Making Soccer Accessible for All
Imagine you’re a soccer parent: your child shows remarkable talent, scoring goals and making friends on the field. Their coach suggests they join a competitive league to take their skills to the next level. You’re thrilled—until you see the costs. Soccer cleats, uniforms, tournament fees, and travel expenses quickly pile up, leaving you wondering how […]
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