Description
Understand the sport of soccer and encourage your kids to have fun
Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies explains how you can prepare your children to play and enjoy the sport of soccer, whether they play recreationally or at the elite youth level. Get up to speed on the basic rules, and learn to keep kids interested and motivated in a sport that's great for their physical and mental health. This ultimate parents' guide covers the rules, player positions, and strategies, including what gear your kids need to start playing. You'll learn coaching and refereeing basics, too, so you'll be ready to get involved. Plus, this book has tips on deciding which program and level makes sense for your child, evaluating travel soccer programs and specialized training camps, dealing with coaches (good and bad), and supporting your kid from the sidelines.
- Discover the basics of soccer and learn how to get kids started at any age
- Learn basic soccer drills to help your kids practice on their own
- Keep your kids motivated, even when they're injured or disappointed
- Help kids prevent injuries and participate in coaching and team management
- Navigate the competitive landscape of soccer at the teen level
Parents with children of all ages will find tips, advice, support, and encouragement in Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies. Part soccer book, part parenting book, this guide can help you get your kids started and support them all the way through college.
Table 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
