By Mike Woitalla There are children in the USA who aren’t allowed to play in their local soccer league because FIFA, based in Switzerland, isn’t satisfied with theirdocumentation. Here’s a scenario of what’s been happening: A team wants to sign up a kid, age 11 or as old as 17, who moved to the USA […]
youth girls
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Tab Ramos holds London audition for U-20 World Cup spots
By Mike Woitalla Nineteen players who weren’t part of the USA’s Concacaf U-20 Championship win last month are part of Coach Tab Ramos‘ April 3-10 training camp inLondon, England, in preparation for the 2017 U-20 World Cup that kicks off in late May. “This camp provides one more opportunity for players we have already seen […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Lawsuit by youth clubs against MLS Players Union dismissed
By Mike Woitalla A lawsuit against the MLS Players Union (MLSPU) that was part of American youth clubs’ quest to receive compensation for their former players who go pro wasdismissed by the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division. Commonly in the rest of the world, youth clubs receive training compensation and solidarity […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
The teenager's challenge: Sleep well, play well
(For those parents and coaches welcoming a new generation of teenagers, the Youth Soccer Insider republishes this article annually.) By Dev K. Mishra, M.D. I’msure anyone who’s raised an adolescent or teenager can attest to the idea that teenagers don’t get as much sleep as they need. For the adolescent or teenager a number of […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Reporter
U.S. U-17 boys beat Japan three times
Coach John Hackworth added eight players to the U.S. U-17 Residency Program squad for a 37-player roster that played four games against Japan as the U.S. U-17 national teamcontinues its preparations for the 2017 U-17 World Cup qualifying tournament April 21-May 7 in Panama. The USA beat Japan 2-0 and 4-1 on March 19. Three […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Anybody remember street soccer? Jorge Villafana does
By Mike Woitalla In the age of academies, pre-academies, soccer classes for 18-month-olds and curricula demanding coaches precisely plan practices for 6-year-olds, you don’thear much talk about free play and street soccer anymore. But ask U.S. national team left back and MLS champion Jorge Villafana about his youth soccer experience and a bigsmile comes to […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
How refs spot off-the-ball fouls
By Randy Vogt You can never relax while driving and the same is true when officiating a soccer game. Years ago, I heard many officials say, “I’m just alinesman,” and a new crop of officials say “I’m just an assistant referee” when given an assignment not in the middle. Although the term for that official […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Roster: U.S. U-19 women head to Florida
Coach Jitka Klimkova has called up 26 players, all born in 1999, for the U.S. U-19 women’s national team’s camp March 25-April 1 camp in Sunrise, Florida. Onlythree players on the roster — members of the USA’s 2016 U-17 Women’s World Cup team, defenders Kiara Pickett and Emily Smith and midfielderSydney Zandi — are returnees […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
Be a Great Team Parent: Tips for Parent Conduct, Team Trips, and Communication
By Amy Whitley@pitstopsforkids Youth sports programs often can only run with the help ofparent volunteers. Whether your role on the team is crucial (team manager) or mostly on the sidelines, it’s vital to keep sportsmanship and a helpful attitude front and center. Here’s howyou can help! Taking Charge of Team Communication Take the burden off […]
Posted inAround The Net in Soccer World Daily, Story
Ice bath: New study doesn't find benefits
Slipping into a bathtub filled with frigid water after a hard workout has long been routine for many athletes, who have believed that the chilly temperatures will reduce inflammation in their tiredmuscles and help their bodies to physiologically recover more quickly from strenuous exercise. But a new study finds otherwise, reports Gretchen Reynolds, citingresearch by […]