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Tag: youth
Development
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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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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