Overemphasis on winning in US youth soccer, energy drinks, letting players learn to make decisions themselves and how parents can help player development

Some interesting soccer-related articles published recently...

-One of the flaws in the US youth soccer culture is a “misplaced emphasis on winning” at too young an age ahead of player development. This results in a bias toward physical prowess and against technical evolution that may have short term benefits for the team but is harmful to the long-term development of players. (here)


-Young athletes should avoid energy drinks. (click here)

-Parents and coaches should pipe down during the game and let kids learn to make decisions for themselves on the field. (here)

-Former World Cup winning player and new US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann offers suggestions to parents on the role they can play in helping their kids’ soccer development. (part 1 here and part 2 here)