First off, I really don't like to use the word "problem" when talking about young players. Typically a player is a product of their environment--and they have no control over the level of soccer and coaching they are exposed to growing up.

I think the biggest challenge young players in America have is to develop "the love of the game." Too often, young players' soccer experiences are regimented and overstructured, and they begin to associate soccer not as a "game" but more as something they do because either their parents say they should or because their friends do.

As coaches, we need to encourage this passion for soccer, so that players want to play and play--be it at practice, at the playground, or in the backyard.

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In the right environment, co-ed soccer is a great one for a young players' development--both socially and in terms of skill learning. You do have to bear in mind, however, that boys and girls develop at different rates, both physically and socially. Early on in years, girls develop faster and this can help offset the physical advantages boys usually have over girls.

As the boys and girls both grow older and enter adolescence, however, differences between the two genders are bigger, and I would encourage same-gender teams when possible. In the younger ages, co-ed soccer is perfectly fine for player development--even though the boys may think the girls have "cooties"!

Posted by Jim Buchanan at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)