Article Archive

 Soccer Parenting

• Aussie Sports Commission Parent Booklet
  Austrailian Sports Commission
  

      Children do learn what they live! The behaviours of parents* and other adults can greatly influence the quality of life that children experience. In sport, parents have an enormous impact on whether children participate in sport at all, the types of sports in which they become involved, and whether or not that sport experience is negative or positive. This influence is largely determined by the support that their children receive, how involved they become in their child’s sport, and by what they say and do on the sideline at sporting events. There is no question that most parents are encouraging and supportive, but unfortunately there are also parents who place undue pressure on their children and negatively influence their children’s involvement in sport. In many cases, these parents are not deliberately placing this pressure on their children, but rather are inadvertently saying and doing things that negatively impact upon their child’s sporting experience. Indeed, the positive and negative influences of parents often occur because most parents do what they think is best for their child.

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• Parental Support – The Key to Peak Performance
  Jeff Pill, Region 1 Girls ODP National Staff Coach

The role that parents play in the life of a soccer player has a tremendous impact on their experience. With this in mind, we have taken some time to write down some helpful reminders for all of us as we approach the upcoming season. If you should have any questions about these thoughts, please feel free to discuss it with us, the coaches.

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• Eight Winning Parenting Practices
  Pam Richmond Champagne, Positive Parenting

“As a parent you have the most powerful and long-lasting influence on your child." As you understand and apply the following eight concepts, you support your child’s sports and lifelong success.  They are called “winning practices” for a reason. Athletes must first understand a key concept or technique. Then they must implement it and continue to practice it until the skill becomes second nature. So it is with these eight winning practices for parenting your athlete.

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Youth Sports

• Who’s Killing Kids’ Sports?
  David Oliver Relin

Doctors are reporting sharp spikes in injuries caused by year-round specialization in a single sport at an early age. And all too often, the simple pleasure of playing sports is being buried beneath cutthroat competition.

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• US Women's National Teams Program
  Position Statement
  
  The priority of every decision made by these adult leaders in the sport of soccer should be made for the good of the game and for the good of the players who play it.  Unfortunately, the decisions made away from the field are often clouded by egos, personal interests, territorial protection, “power” struggles, and profitability. These decisions can often have an extremely negative affect on player growth and development.
  

Problems arise when the adult leadership entities are in a state of conflict and competition rather than cooperation and their priorities shift from the players to other issues.   The struggle for “control” or “power” is dangerous. It exists at all levels - between clubs, associations, groups and individuals.

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Health and Safety Concerns

• Six Steps To Recovering From A Youth Sports Injury
  Lindsey Barton

Injuries to your child while playing sports are almost inevitable. But how long your child is out, and how well he or she performs when finally returning will depend on following the proper road to recovery.

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Fitness and Nutrition in Youth Sports

• Hydration and Healthiness Guidelines
  Sources: ICSN, International Center for Sports Nutrition
  USOC, United States Olympic Committee – Sports Medicine Division
  USSF, United States Soccer Federation – Sports Medicine Committee

Forget about every other question that you have about nutrition until you’ve figured out how to stay hydrated. Being smart about water intake can separate good performance from great performance.

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