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Tag: youth

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Health

How Header Policies Are Reducing Youth Concussions

Soccer is more than just a game; it’s a way of life for millions. But as much as it brings joy and builds community, it also comes with risks, especially for young players. Recent research sheds light on how simple policy changes—like limiting headers in youth soccer—have significantly reduced concussion rates. This blog breaks down […]

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Development

How Soccer Boosts Young Minds and Focus

Imagine a group of five-year-olds dribbling and dodging on a soccer field. In my house, we call this “Wednesday night”. Each child is learning to focus amidst the chaos of teammates, opponents, and the elusive ball. Soccer, it turns out, is more than just a game for these kids—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing their […]

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Development

The Age Factor in Soccer: Why It Might Not Matter as Much as You Think

In youth soccer, it’s easy to assume that older or more mature players hold a physical advantage over their younger, less developed teammates. But what if that wasn’t the case? Recent research is challenging the long-held belief that a player’s physical capabilities are closely tied to their age or biological maturity. Instead, the findings suggest […]

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Development

Physical Fatigue and Its Impact on Players

Understanding how physical fatigue impacts performance is crucial for both coaches and players. A recent study sheds light on this intricate relationship, focusing on how acute physical fatigue influences peripheral perception, tactical behavior, and physical performance in soccer players. Let’s explore the findings and their implications for soccer coaching and player development. The Study at […]

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Development

Building Resilience in Youth Soccer

In the high-stakes world of professional academy youth soccer, resilience is a cornerstone for both performance and development. A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology delves into the specific behaviors that characterize resilience in this context. This research is groundbreaking as it sheds light on observable resilience behaviors, offering invaluable insights […]

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Development

The Power of Service-Learning Exercise Programs for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their abilities. Children with developmental disabilities often face unique challenges that can impede their emotional and behavioral development, making social interactions and physical activities daunting. Recent research highlights a promising approach: service-learning exercise programs. These programs not only engage children in physical activities but also incorporate […]

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Development

Education and Soccer: Real Madrid Foundation’s Approach to Coaching and Player Development

When it comes to youth soccer coaching and player development, a study conducted by the Real Madrid Foundation (RMF) has opened new frontiers. Titled “Acquisition of educational values at the Real Madrid Foundation’s social-sports schools,” this study explores the integration of educational values in soccer coaching across different cultural contexts, revealing critical insights for coaches, […]

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Development

Unveiling Soccer Talent: Insights from the Scottish Performance School Trials

Aspiring soccer stars and coaches, have you ever wondered what makes a young player stand out in the fiercely competitive world of soccer? The study, “Talent identification in soccer: The influence of technical, physical and maturity-related characteristics on a national selection process,” published in PLoS ONE, sheds light on this very question. Let’s dive into […]

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Development

Physical Maturity’s Role in Soccer Success

The article Physical Characteristics and the Talent Identification and Development Processes in Male Youth Soccer: A Narrative Review highlights the importance of physical characteristics in the talent identification and development of young male soccer players. In this blog, we’ll dive into the key findings of Kelly and Williams’ research and discuss their implications for soccer […]

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Development

Engaging the Future: Implications for Soccer Coaching and Player Development

In professional youth soccer, coaching behaviors and practice activities are instrumental in shaping the future of young athletes. The study, “An Investigation of the Practice Activities and Coaching Behaviors of Professional Top-Level Youth Soccer Coaches,” dives deep into the nuances of elite English youth soccer coaching. The Core of the Study The study focuses on […]

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