Understand the sport of soccer and encourage your kids to have fun

Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies explains how you can prepare your children to play and enjoy the sport of soccer, whether they play recreationally or at the elite youth level. Get up to speed on the basic rules, and learn to keep kids interested and motivated in a sport that's great for their physical and mental health. This ultimate parents' guide covers the rules, player positions, and strategies, including what gear your kids need to start playing. You'll learn coaching and refereeing basics, too, so you'll be ready to get involved. Plus, this book has tips on deciding which program and level makes sense for your child, evaluating travel soccer programs and specialized training camps, dealing with coaches (good and bad), and supporting your kid from the sidelines.

• Discover the basics of soccer and learn how to get kids started at any age
• Learn basic soccer drills to help your kids practice on their own
• Keep your kids motivated, even when they're injured or disappointed
• Help kids prevent injuries and participate in coaching and team management
• Navigate the competitive landscape of soccer at the teen level

Parents with children of all ages will find tips, advice, support, and encouragement in Youth Soccer For Parents For Dummies. Part soccer book, part parenting book, this guide can help you get your kids started and support them all the way through college.

Tom Dunmore is the author of Historical Dictionary of Soccer and Soccer For Dummies. He grew up playing soccer in England and is now a parent dealing daily with the commitments of kids playing youth soccer. Tom has a coaching license and has worked extensively in American soccer.