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Stay updated with the latest public health research, commentary, and field notes from our editorial team.

Featured Story

Train as You Play

August 28, 2025 · 5 min read

If you’ve ever watched a youth soccer session, you’ve probably seen it: players lined up, waiting their turn to pass a ball through cones while the coach shouts corrections. Then—after 20 minutes of drills—they finally get to play a small-sided game. The idea is that repetition builds skill, and then games let players “apply” what […]

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Health

Recovery after ACL Reconstruction

In the world of soccer, where the thrill of a goal and the agony of defeat are part of the game, another drama unfolds quietly yet profoundly: the battle against injuries. Among these, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture stands out. It’s not just a medical term but a pivotal event that can reshape a […]

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Development

The Half-Time Talk’s Impact on Small-Sided Games

Half-time is more than just a chance to catch a breath—it’s a critical moment for strategy and reflection. A recent study has shed light on how small-sided games (SSGs) and player-led discussions during these breaks can impact the development of young soccer players’ technical and tactical skills. Small-Sided Games: A Closer Look Small-sided games are […]

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Development

The Snowball Effect of Grit

When we think of soccer stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, what often comes to mind is their incredible talent. But beyond raw talent, there’s a hidden ingredient that’s pivotal to their success: grit. A recent study titled “How small differences grow over time – the snowball effect of grit on practice in sport” […]

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Health

Don’t do bicycle kicks in beach soccer!

Not a full blog, but that’s where the most injuries are. “The most common location of the BK-related injury was the head/neck (68.7%), whereas the most common location of the BK-unrelated injury was the lower extremity (54.1%) (p < 0.01). The findings demonstrated that beach soccer injury incidence was quite high; the most common injury location was […]

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Analytics

How Perfectionism Affects Soccer Referees

In the fast-paced world of soccer, referees play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the game. They make real-time decisions under intense pressure, managing everything from fouls to offside calls. Given these high stakes, it’s essential to understand what influences a referee’s performance on the field. A recent study explores the […]

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Development

Caffeine and Soccer: Boost or Bust?

Whether it’s shaving a second off a sprint or perfecting the arc of a long pass, players and coaches are always looking for ways to enhance performance. One popular tool in this quest is caffeine, known for its ability to boost physical performance in various sports. But how does it affect cognitive functions like decision-making […]

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Health

Overcoming Pain: Insights for Soccer Coaching

Introduction In the world of sports, particularly soccer, injuries and pain are often seen as unavoidable hurdles. For young athletes, these experiences can be particularly challenging, impacting not only their physical abilities but also their emotional well-being. A recent systematic review, “Adolescents’ Experience with Sports-Related Pain and Injury,” sheds light on the multifaceted experiences of […]

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Culture

Soccer Salaries: Does Beauty Matter?

The labor market’s fascination with behavioral biases has gained substantial academic attention over the past decade. One particularly intriguing aspect is the role of physical attractiveness in salary determination. This blog delves into recent research exploring the “beauty premium” in professional soccer, examining whether good looks can influence player salaries. This study’s findings have significant […]

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Health

Soccer Concussion Guidelines: Ensuring Player Safety

Soccer, the world’s most popular sport, brings joy to millions, but lurking in its shadows is a less celebrated aspect: sport-related concussions (SRC). These injuries have increasingly caught the attention of athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals due to their immediate and long-term effects on neurological health. Recent studies highlight alarming trends: former elite soccer players […]

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