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

Tom Dunmore is the author of Historical Dictionary of Soccer and Soccer For Dummies. He grew up playing soccer in England and is now a parent dealing daily with the commitments of kids playing youth soccer. Tom has a coaching license and has worked extensively in American soccer.

Be the best soccer parent you can be

For kids of all ages, soccer builds resiliency, sportsmanship, and coordination—and it’s a whole lot of fun. This book helps parents like you learn the basics of the game, make sure your kids have the right gear, understand the levels of play, and help kids enjoy their sport, regardless of their level. Parents of young kids will learn how to get them started and help them practice. You can even become a coach or a referee! For parents of older players, this guide is a go-to resource on elite youth play, scholarships, and beyond.

Inside…

• Learning basic soccer rules
• Choosing a soccer program
• Practice drills and resources
• Clubs and training camps
• Understanding the cost to play
• Helping kids stay motivated
• Tips for fitness and health
• Looking at college soccer