This week, we’re in pre-season. There are lot’s of setup activities going on and in many places, buildings are mostly staff-only. That’s where I met Shauna. Shauna is a pretty typical employee working in the youth sports space. Her stories inspired me to share this episode as a cautionary tale for new parents and coaches. […]
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There is so much more to watching a soccer game than watching the player with the ball. Come along with me as we explore some of the history, the formations, the styles, and the 99% of the game that is played without the ball. Come away with a better sense of the game and how […]
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Many mammals cooperate, but most stick to cooperating with relatives. Human beings are different in that we have learned to cooperate with people we don’t know. This has made all the difference in our evolution. We’re genetically wired for cooperation, but our ability to cooperate is weakening. Some of the essential ingredients we need in order […]
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It’s time to take our youth sports character successes home! Moms and Dads are invited to come off the bench with me for this episode! Connect with me at [email protected] or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSoccerSidelines/ Real Wins Happen in Real Life!It’s important to win. We should never be satisfied with losing. The drive to win pushes […]
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Pay for play is unequal. It’s unfair. And it’s hurting youth sport more than it’s helping. It’s been a thing for at least 10 years. It’s a bad thing. And it’s something you should be aware of no matter what sport your kids are playing. Listen to the show for details about what’s wrong with pay […]
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The bottom line up front: it’s normal for kids and parents to experience conflict during the process of letting go. Kids are genetically wired to create conflict – no matter what you do or how you do it – so that they can achieve a more grown-up state of autonomy, independence, responsibility… all the things […]
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What does it take to bring parents, players, and coaches together around the concept of Team? We start every season as individuals, and we hopefully walk off the field at the end of every season as something more. This is a question that parents and coaches wrestle with in every state in this great country. […]
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Before you know it, your young athlete will be walking out the door for their first year of college. This comes fast! It’s important to realize that our kids are only on loan to us for a short period of time. Here is one way to make the best of it!Know Your Child’s Development WindowThere […]
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The crucial difference between an elite performer and one who is good is often not visible to the casual observer. Having a good Mind Game can make all the difference! “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Mark TwainAuthor It Doesn’t Matter the […]
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Stand OutsSometimes, a really good referee just stands out in the crowd. It’s more than the calls. There is a comfort and synergy on the field, a connection with players and coaches, a message that carries on the wind that says to everyone: “we’re in good hands.” I met a set of referees this weekend that […]
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