Stay updated with the latest public health research, commentary, and field notes from our editorial team.
February 24, 2026 · 5 min read
We recently received this email: “Hi Jon, I’m the treasurer of a local community-based soccer club. We primarily serve younger kids (under 10), who then transition to the bigger clubs. We do okay with fees and a yearly fundraiser, but I want to know what some ways are to help grow our players while keeping […]
We recently received this email: “Hi Jon, I’m the treasurer of a local community-based soccer club. We primarily serve younger kids (under 10), who then transition to the bigger clubs. We do okay with fees and a yearly fundraiser, but I want to know what some ways are to help grow our players while keeping […]
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Picture this: two training fields side by side. On one, U10s swarm the ball while the coach shouts constant instructions. On the other, U16s play almost freely—until a mistake sparks a sharp scolding from the coach. Most of us assume this is age-appropriate soccer coaching in action. Younger players need telling. Older players need accountability. […]
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The world’s most popular sport brings excitement and joy to millions, yet it conceals some grave health concerns, particularly concussions. This issue garnered attention during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, when discussions about the severe impacts of repeated concussions in soccer resurfaced. A comprehensive understanding of soccer concussions is crucial for safeguarding players and the […]
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You run a beautiful passing drill. Crisp touches. Perfect patterns. Players look sharp. Then Saturday comes—and everything falls apart. The passes are late. Decisions are slow. Players freeze under pressure. Sound familiar? According to a landmark study of youth soccer coaching, this isn’t a player problem. It’s a practice design problem. Researchers observed 70 youth […]
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Athletes are always seeking the edge that can enhance their performance on the field. While training and nutrition play crucial roles, recent insights suggest that mastering sleep science might be a game-changer for soccer players striving for excellence. The Impact of Sleep on Athletic Performance Sleep is not merely a period of rest. It’s a […]
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Picture this: it’s the last 20 minutes of training. Players are tired, touches get sloppy, and you’re deciding whether to run fitness laps or play one more game. You choose a 4v4. Suddenly, intensity spikes. Players talk more. Decisions come faster. Heart rates climb. Everyone is locked in. That instinct—to choose the game over the […]
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As the world eagerly anticipates the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across North America, a pertinent issue has captured the attention of the scientific community and soccer enthusiasts alike: the risk of heat stress on players. This concern is not just about comfort but about the health and performance of the athletes on soccer’s grandest […]
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Note: This article is cross-posted from our sister site: This Week in Public Health. On a warm summer night in 2020, a local health department staffer scrolls through her phone after a long shift. The headlines aren’t about COVID case counts or vaccination clinics. They’re about athletes—kneeling, striking, refusing to play. In between emergency briefings […]
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Picture this: it’s the 72nd minute. A low cross skips off a defender, the striker stabs at it, and the ball ricochets toward goal. Your keeper reacts instinctively—no textbook dive, no perfect set position—but somehow the ball stays out. After the match, a coach mutters: “Technique was messy, but it worked.” Science backs that up. […]
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