Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies

Understand the sport of soccer and encourage your kids to have fun Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies explains how you can prepare your children to play and enjoy the sport of soccer, whether they play recreationally or at the elite youth level. Get up to speed on the basic rules, and learn to keep kids interested and motivated in a sport that's great for their physical and mental health. This ultimate parents' guide covers the rules, player positions, and strategies, including what gear your kids need to start playing. You'll learn coaching and refereeing basics, too, so you'll be ready to get involved. Plus, this book has tips on deciding which program and level makes sense for your child, evaluating travel soccer programs and specialized training camps, dealing with coaches (good and bad), and supporting your kid from the sidelines. Discover the basics of soccer and learn how to get kids started at any age Learn basic soccer drills to help your kids practice on their own Keep your kids motivated, even when they're injured or disappointed Help kids prevent injuries and participate in coaching and team management Navigate the competitive landscape of soccer at the teen level Parents with children of all ages will find tips, advice, support, and encouragement in Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies. Part soccer book, part parenting book, this guide can help you get your kids started and support them all the way through college.

Introduction 1  Part 1: Taking the First Kicks 5  Chapter 1: Getting into the World’s Most Popular Sport 7  Chapter 2: Picking the First Places to Play 29  Chapter 3: Going to the First Game 41  Chapter 4: Parent Coaching and Refereeing 51  Part 2: Getting into Club Soccer 71  Chapter 5: Joining Competitive Club Soccer 73  Chapter 6: Getting into the Club Soccer Season 91  Chapter 7: Staying Healthy and Handling Injuries 117  Chapter 8: Goalkeeping Is Different 137  Part 3: Progressing at Home and Beyond 149  Chapter 9: Getting Better Outside Team Practice 151  Chapter 10: Playing Futsal and Pickup Soccer 167  Chapter 11: Specialized Training Camps 177  Chapter 12: Considering School Soccer 187  Part 4: Advancing in Elite Soccer 195  Chapter 13: Assessing Academy Soccer Programs 197  Chapter 14: Aiming for College 209  Chapter 15: Dealing with Challenges 221  Chapter 16: Exploring Soccer Overseas 231  Part 5: The Part of Tens 241  Chapter 17: Ten Star Players to Inspire Your Child 243  Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Get Better at Home 251  Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Follow Planet Soccer 257  Glossary 265  Index 273