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

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Cracking the Code of Teamwork in Soccer

October 9, 2025 · 5 min read

What separates a team that keeps the ball flowing from one that constantly loses possession? The answer might not just be talent—it could be network science. A new systematic review demonstrates how Social Network Analysis (SNA)—a tool borrowed from sociology and mathematics—can reveal the hidden connections that shape success in soccer. If you’ve ever watched Barcelona’s […]

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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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Strategy

Throw-ins! What’s the best strategy?

As a youth player, I irrationally spent way too much time worrying about throw-ins. Turns out I was right to be overly anxious! Causal Analysis of Tactics in Soccer: The Case of Throw-ins, sheds new light on the optimal use of throw-ins. The Power of Data in Soccer Tactics Soccer thrives on the strategic deployment […]

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Health

Fueling Champions: The Dietary Needs of Soccer Players

Performance isn’t just about talent and training; it’s also significantly influenced by what players eat. The study “Dietary Intake of Soccer Players before, during and after an Official Game: Influence of Competition Level and Playing Position,” provides groundbreaking insights into the nutritional habits of soccer players across different leagues and positions. This research not only […]

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Development

The Art of Resonating with Complexity in Player Development

In the world of soccer coaching and player development, the traditional approach of adopting tried and tested methods from one context to another has often been seen as the path to success. However, the insightful article, “There is no copy and paste, but there is resonation and inhabitation: Integrating a contemporary player development framework in […]

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Development

The Game-Changing Introduction of the Blue Card in Soccer

Soccer is on the cusp of a revolutionary change with the introduction of the blue card, an innovative concept aimed at enhancing the game’s discipline and respect towards match officials. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is spearheading this significant development, which is poised to redefine the dynamics of soccer at various levels. Understanding the […]

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Health

Transforming Adult Health with Recreational Soccer

In an age where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly prevalent, a compelling study titled Effects of a 16-week recreational small-sided games soccer intervention on body composition and physical fitness in sedentary young adults: A randomized controlled study presents a novel approach to adult health and fitness. This research highlights the transformative power of recreational soccer in […]

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Health

Nutritional Strategies for Soccer: Insights for Coaches and Players

The pace of the game today is faster and more demanding than ever before. Coaches and players are constantly searching for an edge – a way to improve performance, maintain peak physical condition, and recover quickly from the strains of intense training and matches. A recent study, titled “Body Composition Changes in Male and Female […]

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