Science and Practice of Youth Soccer

This book serves as a vital resource for grassroots coaches, offering practical insights into player and team development in youth soccer.

The book Science and Practice of Youth Soccer offers a thorough introduction to essential topics that contribute to effective player and team development in youth grassroots soccer. Recognizing soccer as the most popular sport worldwide, it highlights the significant engagement of children and adolescents in grassroots soccer. However, much of the existing scientific and practical data tends to focus on elite performers, leaving a gap in resources tailored specifically for grassroots coaches. This book aims to bridge that gap by providing valuable insights into the science of soccer, enabling coaches to enhance the experiences and development of the over 250 million grassroots players globally.

Written by a team of international experts and practitioners, Science and Practice of Youth Soccer emphasizes the developmental needs of children and youth. Each chapter presents a solid scientific foundation for various topics, debunks common myths and misconceptions prevalent in grassroots coaching, and offers practical solutions that coaches can readily implement. This approach ensures that the guidance provided is not only research-based but also applicable in real-world coaching scenarios, making it a vital resource for those involved in youth soccer.

This book is essential reading for individuals pursuing studies in sport and exercise science, sports coaching, and sports development. Additionally, it serves as an informative guide for grassroots coaches and parents of young soccer players, equipping them with the knowledge needed to support the growth and enjoyment of youth soccer participation.