Blogs - This Week In Soccer

Strategy

Sharks and Minnows: The Classic Youth Soccer Game Every Coach Should Have in Their Toolbox

Some soccer games survive because they are simple, fun, and secretly full of learning. Sharks and Minnows is one of those games. If you coach young players, especially ages 4 to 10, this game can become one of your go-to activities. It gets kids moving right away. It creates laughter. It builds comfort with the […]

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Culture

Walking Football May Be More Than a Game for Dementia Caregivers

For many people, soccer is more than a sport. It is memory, movement, friendship, routine, and identity. A new qualitative study in Scientific Reports suggests that a slower, adapted version of the game, known as walking football, may offer something especially powerful for people living with dementia and the caregivers who support them. The study […]

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World cup

USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster: The Biggest Surprises

The U.S. Men’s National Team’s reported 2026 World Cup roster is here, and Mauricio Pochettino has made one thing clear: this is not just a “best résumé” squad. It is a “right 26” squad. Back in March, U.S. Soccer framed the selection process around cutting a pool of more than 70 players down to 26, […]

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Health

Soccer’s Most Dangerous Move Just Got a Training Upgrade

If you watch a soccer match closely, the most explosive moments are also the most dangerous. A winger plants, cuts, and accelerates. A defender reacts and changes direction instantly. In that split second, the knee absorbs massive forces. This is where many ACL injuries happen. A new study in Scientific Reports takes a different approach […]

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Health

The Emergence of Soccer Neuroscience

In recent years, the realm of neuroscience has begun its infiltration into the world of sports, with a significant impact on soccer. This burgeoning field, termed ‘soccer neuroscience’, involves understanding how brain functions affect performance and how these insights can be utilized to enhance training regimes and in-game decision making. Neuroscience applications in soccer can […]

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Analytics

When Data Lies: What Local Soccer Clubs Can Learn from Tottenham’s Analytics Problem

In modern soccer, data is everywhere. From professional broadcasts to youth training apps, metrics like expected goals (xG) and player tracking data have become part of the game’s everyday language. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: having data doesn’t mean you’re using it well. A recent case involving Tottenham Hotspur offers a powerful lesson not just […]

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Health

How Mental Training Can Reduce Soccer Injuries in Kids (And Keep Them Loving the Game)

Youth soccer is one of the best ways for kids to stay active, build confidence, and learn teamwork. But if you’ve spent any time on the sidelines, you’ve probably seen the downside too. Rolled ankles, collisions, pulled muscles, and sometimes something worse. Injuries are often treated as part of the game. What if many of […]

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Culture

Why Soccer Mascots Matter More Than You Think (And How They Shape Fan Loyalty)

When you think about soccer success, you probably picture tactics, talent, or maybe ticket sales. But what if one of the most powerful drivers of fan engagement is… a mascot? A new study published in Scientific Reports dives into something most clubs overlook: how mascot design directly shapes fans’ feelings about a sporting event. And […]

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Strategy

The Psychology of Penalty Shootouts

Penalty shootouts are among the most intense moments in soccer. Entire tournaments—and sometimes national pride—can hinge on a single kick. But are shootouts just random luck, or are there predictable patterns behind who scores and who misses? A recent study analyzing 1,186 penalty kicks across 122 shootouts in major tournaments (World Cup, European Championship, Copa […]

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Latest Insights & Analysis

Sharks and Minnows: The Classic Youth Soccer Game Every Coach Should Have in Their Toolbox

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every Saturday morning.