Latest Insights & Analysis

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

Featured Story

Boosting Soccer Training with Smarter Drill Choices

September 3, 2025 · 5 min read

Every coach knows that not all training drills are created equal. But here’s the kicker—new research tracking over 65,000 drills from professional teams shows just how much drill choice shapes a player’s physical readiness, injury risk, and game-day performance. Whether you’re a grassroots coach or managing an elite squad, these insights can help you get […]

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Health

The Mind Game: Mental Health in Women’s Semi-Elite Soccer

Mental health often takes a backseat in women’s semi-elite soccer. The study, “Mental ill-health in semi-elite women’s soccer in England: a mixed-methods approach” published in the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, dives deep into this under-explored area. This research not only sheds light on the prevalence of mental health issues among semi-elite female […]

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Development

So you want to start a rec soccer league?

Starting a recreational soccer league for adults in your community is a wonderful initiative that can bring people together, promote fitness, and foster a sense of camaraderie. Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast, a community leader, or just someone looking to make a positive impact, launching a league requires thoughtful planning and organization. In this blog […]

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Health

Implementing Effective Concussion Guidelines in Soccer

In the fast-paced world of soccer, the safety and health of players often take center stage, especially when it comes to head injuries and concussions. A recent article titled Sport-related concussion in soccer –a scoping review of available guidelines and a call for action to FIFA & soccer governing bodies, published in a reputable journal, […]

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Development

Demystifying Talent Development in Youth Soccer: Insights from English Lower-League Development Programs.

In the world of youth soccer, identifying and nurturing talent is a complex and multifaceted process. The insightful article “Soccer Player Characteristics in English Lower-League Development Programmes: The Relationships between Relative Age, Maturation, Anthropometry and Physical Fitness” (Lovell et al., 2015) offers a compelling look into the factors influencing talent identification and development in youth […]

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Analytics

Big Data in Soccer

In the world of professional soccer, a revolution is quietly taking place, one that is set to change the game forever. This revolution is rooted in the realm of big data, particularly in tactical performance analysis. The article “Unlocking the potential of big data to support tactical performance analysis in professional soccer: A systematic review,” […]

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Development

Hidden Gems in Soccer: A Deep Dive into the Relative Age Effect

The world of soccer is buzzing with strategies to unearth the next big talent. However, a recent study titled “He’s Just a Wee Laddie”: The Relative Age Effect in Male Scottish Soccer sheds light on a critical, often overlooked aspect of player development: the Relative Age Effect (RAE). This phenomenon has significant implications for soccer […]

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Development

Understanding the Relative Age Effect in Professional Soccer

The study “The Relative Age Effect in the 10 Best Leagues of Male Professional Football of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)” offers groundbreaking insights into this phenomenon. Let’s dive into what this means for soccer coaching and player development. The Birth Month Impact The Relative Age Effect (RAE) refers to the significant advantage […]

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Development

How English Soccer Academies Nurture Tomorrow’s Stars

The journey from a local playground to the lush greens of professional soccer s arduous and only a few make it to the top. The role of academies in shaping these young talents cannot be overstated. A recent article titled “The measurement, tracking and development practices of English professional football academies,” published in the Journal […]

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Development

Implications of the Relative Age Effect

“Relative age effect in Spanish association football” by Jiménez and Pain presents a compelling exploration of the relative age effect (RAE) in Spanish youth soccer and its impact on player development and selection processes. This concept is crucial for soccer coaches, scouts, and sports scientists who are involved in nurturing young talent and has significant […]

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