• How to talk to refs
    After Donna Olmstead made a convincing case against berating referees or their assistants in her Youth Soccer Insider column, "Before you scream at a ref ...", we received some feedback from readers pointing out that there may be times when game officials should be told if they're erring or missing violations.
  • Key factors in college recruiting (Part II)
    Yavapai College, located in Prescott, Ariz., has captured seven NJCAA National Championships and finished in the top four nationally 17 times since 1990. The coaches are longtime NSCAA members Mike Pantalione and Hugh Bell, who will never claim to have all the answers. This is intended for college coaches and others connected with the sport to have a laugh, look back on some of their own experiences, and perhaps add to the list of key factors to be aware of during the recruiting process:
  • Key factors in college recruiting (Part I)
    Yavapai College, located in Prescott, Ariz., has captured seven NJCAA National Championships and finished in the top four nationally 17 times since 1990. The coaches are longtime NSCAA members Mike Pantalione and Hugh Bell, who will never claim to have all the answers. This is intended for college coaches and others connected with the sport to have a laugh, look back on some of their own experiences, and perhaps add to the list of key factors to be aware of during the recruiting process:
  • The importance of playing 'out of position'
    A friend reminded me the other day of an old soccer saying. It goes something like, "Good forwards make the best defenders and good defenders make the best forwards." There is a lot of truth to this saying.
  • MLS site for kids inspires
    Major League Soccer's kid-friendly Web site -- www.mlsstarting11.com -- features videos and bios on the league's of the top MLS stars meant to inspire young players, and get them excited about playing soccer.