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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
List of contents
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
About the author
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.
