Soccer

Some of the things adults yell at children at soccer games are just downright hilarious. Like the coach who yelled at a 6-year-old, "Give him a target on the flank!" Maybe kids should start shouting back and give an earful right back to the loudmouths on the sideline.

 

No matter how talented your child may be, there are going to days when he doesn't play his best, or when, despite his best effort, his team loses.  How you manage both the ups, and the inevitable downs, will play a large role in whether your child has a successful youth sports experience.  Here are ten things to keep in mind after your child's team loses or he doesn't perform up to his expectations.

As someone who's been through the college recruiting process and as a coach who works with high school aged athletes that are currently going through the college recruiting process, there are a few fundamental mistakes families make again and again.

Kids, especially under twelve, are always seeking their parents' approval. Negative labels and generalizations and criticism can have a devastating emotional impact. If you critique your child's performance, she will interpret your anger, disapproval, and disappointment as meaning that you don't love her anymore-that your love is conditional.

If the world were a perfect place, talking to their child's occer coach would be as natural and stress free for a soccer mom or dad as talking to their child's teacher. Unfortunately, there is not much that worries and confuses soccer moms more than talking to their child's coach.

In light of poor results at the 2007 U-17 World Cup, the launch of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, and MLS's move into the youth arena, it's time to reassess U.S. Soccer's 9-year-old Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida.

A listing of major soccer organizations and governing bodies.