Youth Soccer Safety: The Importance of Proper Soccer Cleats for Kids

A person wearing bright orange soccer cleats stands on a worn soccer ball, positioned on a green, grassy field.

Safety should always be a top priority for youth soccer players. Although there are many ways to prioritize a young athlete’s health on the field, one detail that many parents and coaches often overlook is the choice of footwear. Properly fitted cleats not only help kids remain comfortable during matches and practices, but also help…

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What Are Plyometric Exercises, and How Can They Benefit Soccer Players?

Two people are mid-air, jumping over yellow hurdles on a green field. They wear athletic shorts and shirts, with visible legs and shoes. The focus is on their action and movement in a straight line over the hurdles.

When athletes want to improve their performance on the field, they often turn to plyometric exercises. These movements help build power and gain muscle through the use of speed and force. For soccer players, specifically, these exercises help improve everything from agility and endurance to reaction time and explosiveness. They may even help prevent injuries.…

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When Does the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Play Again?

Two female soccer players sit on a bench, one in a white jersey and the other in a dark gray jersey with gloves, appearing to have a conversation. Both wear shorts with an emblem on their shirts. The background features blurred figures and equipment.

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer team took home the gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, making it the fifth time they have won the Olympics Games since 1996. Not only did this excite their current fans, but it helped this group of talented athletes gain numerous fans, including young soccer players who…

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Soccer Practice Warm-Up Drills for Youth Soccer

In addition to proper nutrition, physical fitness, skill development, and plentiful rest, soccer practice warm-up drills are important for young athletes who want to keep their bodies in great shape. Not only do they improve performance and encourage players to focus, but they can also help prevent injuries. The Basics of Soccer Warm-Up Drills Soccer warm-up drills…

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The Ultimate Soccer Gear Guide: Reviews and Recommendations

Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association player

Youth soccer gear does more than make these young athletes look sharp — it is an essential part of letting them play safely and with optimal performance. From the youngest players to elite-level professionals, the right soccer gear is crucial to improving their abilities on the pitch and reducing the risk of injuries. Families facing…

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Soccer and Mental Health: The Mental Benefits of Playing Youth Soccer

Many people view soccer as nothing more than an exciting sport or a way to stay physically fit, but the game offers many other benefits, including providing a boost to soccer players’ mental health. This is critical in the world today, especially for youth soccer players who might need a boost of confidence or who are developing…

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Soccer Stats 101: Understanding Key Soccer Metrics for Players

Measuring, understanding, and analyzing youth soccer metrics is a key part of player development in select youth soccer programs. The term “metrics” simply refers to the way an individual player’s or a team’s performance is tracked in a measurable quantitative manner. These statistics provide useful insight into a player’s strengths and weaknesses, which helps them…

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Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for Soccer Players

Most coaches and athletes know just how important it is to warm up before practicing or playing in a game or match. According to the American Heart Association, warming up helps expand blood vessels to allow more oxygen flow to the muscles, and it helps reduce the amount of stress placed on your heart when…

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USWNT Olympic Roster and Schedule (2024)

Young rush soccer player kicking the ball

It’s that time again. In July and August, the best athletes from around the world will gather in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. For soccer, that includes the beloved USA Women’s Soccer Olympic (USWNT) team. Fans can watch beloved players like Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith take the field and play…

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Heading in Youth Soccer: Rules, Drills, and Safety Tips 

A soccer player balances a ball on his head as he practices heading on a sunny day against a clear blue sky

Heading in soccer is when players use their heads to hit and guide the ball. It is an integral part of the sport, and each player may do it between six and 12 times a match, on average. However, there has been a lot of talk in recent years about whether heading causes concussions and…

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