The teenager’s challenge: Sleep well, play well. . . . . . .

The teenager’s challenge: Sleep well, play well

(For those parents and coaches welcoming a new generation of teenagers, the Youth Soccer Insider republishes this article annually.)

By Dev K. Mishra, M.D.

I’m sure anyone who’s raised an adolescent or teenager …

Refereeing: the key part is to start. . . . . . .

Refereeing: the key part is to start — and to be fit

By Randy Vogt

Every beginner is a winner! If you are just starting out officiating, then you have not made anywhere near the number of mistakes I’ve made …

Think food first: Refueling after training or games. . . . . . .

Think food first: Refueling after training or games

By Dev K. Mishra, M.D.

Here’s another of those subjects that seems to make some people emotional — why is it important for young athletes to refuel after exercise, when should this …

The Female Athlete Triad – Be on the Lookout

The Female Athlete Triad — Be on the Lookout

By Dev K. Mishra, M.D.

I was recently with a friend watching his daughter in a NorCal Premier State Cup soccer game on a beautiful spring afternoon. The girls were skilled …

Parental influence done right . . . . . . . . .

Parental influence done right — supportive but not overbearing

By Dev K. Mishra, M.D.

This is purely my opinion, with some observations on parental influence in teenage athletics:

Toward the end of the school year, we gather with the athletic …

The Young Athlete is NOT a small professional . . . . .!!

The young athlete is not a small professional

By Dev K. Mishra, M.D.

It’s totally understandable to want your injured son or daughter to be healed and back playing sports as soon as possible after injury.

And since the progress …

Benefits of heading ban are clear to see . . . . .

Benefits of heading ban are clear to see

By Mike Woitalla

I have now refereed and watched several games since the elimination of heading for children 10 and under – and have compared them to my notes and memories of …

Landon Donovan: ” A 10-year-old doesn’t need to be heading a soccer ball”

Landon Donovan: ‘A 10-year-old doesn’t need to be heading a soccer ball’

By Mike Woitalla

Landon Donovan, the greatest player the USA has ever produced, recently appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” and was asked about heading in youth soccer.

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Is specialization the big culprit ? It’s NOT so simple……

Is specialization the big culprit? It’s not so simple

By Mike Singleton

In recent years there has been a growing discussion on youth sport injuries which I applaud wholeheartedly as it is a part of all of our jobs in …

Teenager’s Challenge : Sleep well, play well

The teenager’s challenge: Sleep well, play well

(For those parents and coaches welcoming a new generation of teenagers, the Youth Soccer Insider republishes this article, which last appeared in June 2014.)

By Dev K. Mishra, M.D.

I’m sure anyone …