United Soccer Coaches announced men’s and women’s, boys and girls player of the year awards across nine levels of American soccer. The NCAA Division 1 players of the year will be announced on Jan. 6 as […]
youth girls
From Spain to the USA: Eloisa Borreguero on climbing soccer's male-dominated coaching ladder
When Eloisa Borreguero took a Royal Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) goalkeeping license course, she was 19 years old. Most other coaches were much older, already established in their careers. She was also the only woman, surrounded […]
The teenager's challenge: Sleep well, play well
(Dr. Dev Mishra’s article on teenage sleep has been among the most popular since we launched the Youth Soccer Insider in 2007. The feedback has included parents appreciating coaches whohelp encourage healthy habits.) * * * * * * * * * * I’m sure anyone who’s raised an adolescent or teenager can attest to […]
U.S. Youth Soccer's Pete Zopfi on adding Latinos to Youth Task Force and the federation's 'growing pains'
Last August, Pete Zopfi was elected Chair of U.S. Youth Soccer, whose 2.7 million players represent 74% of the youth players registered under the U.S. Soccer Federation’s umbrella. Asthe U.S. Youth Chair, Zopfi became a member […]
U.S. Soccer's Mirelle van Rijbroek on DA vs. ECNL, college soccer, girls YNT scouting, and Dutch success
Mirelle van Rijbroek has been U.S. Soccer’s Director of Talent Identification-Girls since November 2017. She arrived from her native Netherlands, where she served as the Managerof Talent Development and Elite Performance for the Dutch federation (KNVB). In […]
Youth: USA roster set for Concacaf U-15 Girls Championship
Coach April Kater will be fielding a U-14 squad at the 2018 Concacaf Girls U-15 Championship Aug. 6-13 in Bradenton, Florida. Her 18-player roster is comprised of 14 2004-bornplayers and four 2005s for the 28-nation tournament […]
Youth: U.S. U-16 girls beat Switzerland, Portugal and Belgium
Coached by Tracey Kevins, the USA went undefeated at the U-16 UEFA Women’s International Development Tournament in Portugal. The U.S. squad, comprised of 10 players born in 2002and 10 2003s, beat Switzerland (2-1), Portugal (2-1) and […]
Caffeine for Athletic Performance: Good or Avoid?
Lots of American adults consume caffeine. It’s estimated that 80% of U.S. adults consume at least some caffeine each week, with 55% consuming caffeine daily (usually coffee) and 25% consumingoccasionally. The average intake is about 200mg caffeine or about 2 small cups of coffee. A very large number of teenage and adolescent athletes also consume […]
Low-back pain in the teenage athlete: Early intervention is the key
I’m seeing more young athletes with low-back pain, it seems that the incidence is increasing. Many times, mid-back and low-back pain is muscular. This is typical at the beginning of the season– perhaps combined with the weight of a heavy school backpack. This type of low back issue is a mild to moderate achiness that […]
Your crucial preseason checklist — first-aid kit and emergency action plan
With the spring season kicking off, this is the perfect time to make sure you’ve got the first-aid kit in order — and have prepared an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Your First AidKit Every youth coach should have a very basic sideline first-aid kit. You should have this at each training session and game. Remember […]