Latest Insights & Research

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Development

The Impact of Field Orientation on Soccer Small-Sided Games

There’s a continuous quest to optimize training methods to closely mirror the real-game scenarios. A pivotal study in this field, titled The influence of the field orientation on the representativeness of the positional dynamics in soccer small-sided games published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of soccer training: the […]

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Culture

The Power of Attachment in Soccer: Lessons from the 2002 FIFA World Cup

As soccer enthusiasts and coaches worldwide continually seek ways to inspire and develop players, the study Effect of 2002 FIFA World Cup: Point of Attachment That Promotes Mass Football Participation” offers groundbreaking insights. This research not only revisits the memorable 2002 World Cup (US beat Portugal! US into the quarterfinals!) but also uncovers the critical […]

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Development

So you want to start a rec soccer league?

Starting a recreational soccer league for adults in your community is a wonderful initiative that can bring people together, promote fitness, and foster a sense of camaraderie. Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast, a community leader, or just someone looking to make a positive impact, launching a league requires thoughtful planning and organization. In this blog […]

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Development

Demystifying Talent Development in Youth Soccer: Insights from English Lower-League Development Programs.

In the world of youth soccer, identifying and nurturing talent is a complex and multifaceted process. The insightful article “Soccer Player Characteristics in English Lower-League Development Programmes: The Relationships between Relative Age, Maturation, Anthropometry and Physical Fitness” (Lovell et al., 2015) offers a compelling look into the factors influencing talent identification and development in youth […]

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Development

Hidden Gems in Soccer: A Deep Dive into the Relative Age Effect

The world of soccer is buzzing with strategies to unearth the next big talent. However, a recent study titled “He’s Just a Wee Laddie”: The Relative Age Effect in Male Scottish Soccer sheds light on a critical, often overlooked aspect of player development: the Relative Age Effect (RAE). This phenomenon has significant implications for soccer […]

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Development

Understanding the Relative Age Effect in Professional Soccer

The study “The Relative Age Effect in the 10 Best Leagues of Male Professional Football of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)” offers groundbreaking insights into this phenomenon. Let’s dive into what this means for soccer coaching and player development. The Birth Month Impact The Relative Age Effect (RAE) refers to the significant advantage […]

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Development

How English Soccer Academies Nurture Tomorrow’s Stars

The journey from a local playground to the lush greens of professional soccer s arduous and only a few make it to the top. The role of academies in shaping these young talents cannot be overstated. A recent article titled “The measurement, tracking and development practices of English professional football academies,” published in the Journal […]

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Development

Implications of the Relative Age Effect

“Relative age effect in Spanish association football” by Jiménez and Pain presents a compelling exploration of the relative age effect (RAE) in Spanish youth soccer and its impact on player development and selection processes. This concept is crucial for soccer coaches, scouts, and sports scientists who are involved in nurturing young talent and has significant […]

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Development

The Art of Resonating with Complexity in Player Development

In the world of soccer coaching and player development, the traditional approach of adopting tried and tested methods from one context to another has often been seen as the path to success. However, the insightful article, “There is no copy and paste, but there is resonation and inhabitation: Integrating a contemporary player development framework in […]

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Development

The Game-Changing Introduction of the Blue Card in Soccer

Soccer is on the cusp of a revolutionary change with the introduction of the blue card, an innovative concept aimed at enhancing the game’s discipline and respect towards match officials. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is spearheading this significant development, which is poised to redefine the dynamics of soccer at various levels. Understanding the […]

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