How To Succeed As A Soccer Parent

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. Deep down, do you have that dream that maybe one day your child could be a champion? Whether you're a veteran soccer parent, well versed in the rules and regulations of the world's sport, or a rookie just trying to survive, David Novis's helpful guide, How to Succeed as a Soccer Parent, will answer all your questions and even help you relearn what you think you already know. This instruction manual offers tips for coaches and parents alike in an easy-to-read format that will teach you how to create opportunities for your young child to excel in an environment that is rewarding and beneficial not only for the player but also for the whole family.

The first one-stop resource to help your kid become a leader in sports and life Whether your child is a casual joiner or a serious athlete, the playing field is a terrific place to learn confidence, sportsmanship, and other skills he or she will need to succeed in life. This comprehensive guide from sports psychologist Dr. Shari Kuchenbecker distills decades of sports research and the author's own experiences as a "soccer mom, volleyball mom, Little League mom, and basketball mom" to create an indispensable guide to children's development through sports. Topics include how to: Choose the right sport for kids -- and when they should start -- Support a good coach and deal with a bad one -- Keep kids motivated -- Help kids eat right -- Screen an injury -- Encourage girls in sports -- Deal with quitting, stalling, and burnout -- Get athletic scholarships -- and more

What has happened to and in American youth soccer over the past fifty years? I will take you on a stroll down memory lane, sharing some of my fondest memories and others I would like to forget; but cannot. Soccer in America has become “All about the money.” Some have forgotten it really is, and needs to always be “All about the players” and to develop their lifelong love of and passion for the sport. Parents are willing to pay “whatever the market will bear” as the club and/or coaches charge ever increasing to astronomical fees with the hope to have their child will succeed in obtaining the holy grail of a college soccer scholarship and not let their child fall behind their peers. The problem is that many parents have no idea what is actually going on in America’s youth soccer today, what they may soon face, or how to best navigate any of it. The hashtag I use to describe this is #youcantmakethissoccerstuffup. Money Grab $$—A Parents’ Guide to American Youth Soccer is an insider’s view of the actual soccer player developmental life cycle beginning with recreational FUN then to the drama, pain points, best practice actions and costs of competitive soccer. From just starting in the sport through your player’s deveIopmental life cycle, we will share what it takes to enjoy, survive, and possibly even make a professional soccer team and then stay at that level. Having been involved for so long, I have heard this same parents’ cry for help and understanding repeatedly, especially in the past few years. Parents who always want to do the best for their player but don’t have a clue, or for those who thought they had the clue, only to find out otherwise, need guidance and insight into what is going on. It will be invaluable and settling to understand in advance the decisions parents may face so that they may make the correct ones given the information available or to obtain what is needed to make and intelligent, data-driven decision, what to look for in a coach and, when to run. It will also identify many of the current and potential methods for a variety of folks to take parent’s hard-earned money out of their wallets providing little to nothing in return, also known as “Money Grab.”

Packed with interactive exercises to help you explore your life and your mindset, "Beyond Soccer Mom" is a powerful tool for change. Dr Rhodes draws upon her experience life coach, physician neuroscience expert and once stressed, depressed mom, brings you stories, to illustrate how Beyond Soccer Mom can transform the lives of real moms, just like you. Whether you are a stay-at home mom, wanting more peace and contentment, a mom considering a significant transition or a working mom, wanting to feel more balanced, Beyond Soccer Mom is all you need to start creating your ideal life today. “I am here to tell you that your dreams can become a reality. What stands between you and your dreams is often just the simple process of creating a personalized road map for your life–and following it.” –Dr Leonaura Rhodes, Beyond Soccer Mom. “Beyond Soccer Mom” is not only an entertaining read, but a resourceful workbook to simply and efficiently guide any mother that needs a lift to live the life of her dreams!” –Judy Goss, CEO Over 40 Females.

As a parent, nothing beats the unmatched joy of watching your child make a difference by scoring that amazing goal, making that perfect pass, or saving a goal to win the match. Our hearts swell and we get misty-eyed. But, navigating the soccer industrial complex is really hard...This book is for intentional parents who want their kids to be the best versions of themselves on the soccer pitch and in life. The game can teach the mindset, process, and skills needed to be successful in life. These elements can drive your child's success in life by providing a foundation of creativity, grit, and confidence.There is a lot of noise in youth soccer; just listen to the sidelines of a weekend game. Having never done it before, parents and kids are trying to figure it all out in real-time. The game and coaching have changed dramatically in the last 10 years. It can be confusing and frustrating.For these reasons, parents need to know what they don't know and educate themselves. They need to be open to new, innovative ways to improve rather than settling for the ways soccer has always been done. You have to be willing to try new things to "hack the system."This book is designed to educate you on the most you need to know in as few words as possible. The truth is that your child will need to be 10% different in order to be successful. We are going to pitch you on unique ways to help your child be different. We will make the case in short chapters, then you decide. Read these chapters again over the years as needs will change as your child matures.Our most important credential is that we are soccer parents writing for soccer parents. Our children have played at all levels. We have coached and played at different youth levels and colleges."If they fall in love with a ball at some young level, (that) catalyst causes them to become elite. (If you are) the sort of barking parent that sits on top of them and critiques them after every game, then trust me, they're never going to get to a higher level." Anson Dorrance, UNC Women's Soccer Coach & Winner of 21 NCAA Championships "There's so many important life lessons to be taken from soccer. If I ever have kids, my hope for my kids would be that they would learn all the life lessons that I've learned." Sam Mewis, US Women's National Team & World Cup Winner "I wish every parent got a parent handbook to support your kid. Here's a checklist of things that you can do to support yourself and a realistic application to support your kids..." Heath Pearce, US Men's National Team & MLS Player "Let them experience it. Let the kids decide that soccer is for them. Let them have the passion and the commitment and the dedication coming from them. Not coaches telling them, not parents telling them; it's got to come internally." Skip Gilbert, CEO - US Youth Soccer Association

Fathering Sons to Excel in Life... and in Soccer!At a time when more and more children are being raised by single mothers, the importance of having a good father simply can't be overestimated. Inside you'll discover how the fathers of many of today's and yesterday's most famous soccer players encouraged and inspired their sons to excel both on and off the soccer field. Along the way, you'll gain invaluable parenting tips as well as the motivation to help ensure your son realizes his full potential... in life and in soccer!

"The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Indoor Youth Soccer provides parents and coaches much-needed guidance to help their kids navigate this popular sport. With its own special rules, strategies, and skills, this one-of-a-kind guide offers: Basic skills for offense and defense Drills and situational strategies Photographs and step-by-step diagrams

The modern day youth sports environment has taken the enjoyment out of athletics for our children. Currently, 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by the age of 13, which has given rise to a generation of overweight, unhealthy young adults. There is a solution. John O’Sullivan shares the secrets of the coaches and parents who have not only raised elite athletes, but have done so by creating an environment that promotes positive core values and teaches life lessons instead of focusing on wins and losses, scholarships, and professional aspirations. Changing the Game gives adults a new paradigm and a game plan for raising happy, high performing children, and provides a national call to action to return youth sports to our kids.