Goal!: The Ultimate Guide for Soccer Moms and Dads

by Gloria Averbuch

Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, is scoring big with schoolchildren in the United States. In fact, the growth of youth soccer in this country over the past decade has been nothing short of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579540805
• ISBN13: 9781579540807
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Harmony/Rodale
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Remember Who's Playing The Game

If I had one wish for all the adults out there who watch and coach kids playing soccer, it would be for them to understand and abide by the topics covered in the chapter "They Play to Have Fun." It might seem obvious but adults sometimes forget that everyone, especially kids, learn faster, easier, and better when they're having a good time. The entire book is full of excellent information (the best I've read) but this chapter alone makes it worth buying.

At last, a guide for parents who didn't grow up with soccer

My 7-year-old son has been playing soccer for 2 years now and I'm just now getting the hang of soccer. Not having grown up with it, like most of the parents I know, I didn't even know the basics of the game. Goal has just what I needed. Information about rules, appropriate skills for each age, how to find a great coach, what to feed my kid so he doesn't tire out, how to find a camp, the best clothes to wear. This book has been a godsend. Now I know when to cheer at his games.

Can soccer season start today? I'm psyched!

Youth soccer is great - for kids and families! This book put into words so many of the benefits of youth soccer. You'll be a better soccer mom or dad just because you'll be more excited about the sport and all it offers you and your child!The information is well organized and enjoyable to read. And, like us, you may realize that you want to be more that just a soccer parent. Last year, I signed up to be an assistant referee because they needed some help....this year I can't wait! I enjoy watching my daughters' dance recital and my son play baseball, but I LOVED being a referee on the soccer field! It was great to really be a PART of what my kids were doing. After reading GOAL!, we both decided to start coach's training this year. Our kids are estatic that we want to do this with them, and we want to do what we can to provide a great program.If you're not a soccer mom or dad or fan, you will be after reading this book!

How Goal! has changed my soccer parents.

I am a serious 14-year-old player. Ever since I was four or five, my parents have attended every one of my games, whether it was a scrimmage, or an important State Cup match. They would holler their lungs out, yelling instructions to me from the sidelines. At halftime they would bring over the snack for the team, and after the game they would talk to me about how I could improve. As pretty involved soccer parents, of course our bookshelf at home was full of books about soccer skills, tactics, and drills. It wasn't until about a week ago when my dad came home with Goal! The Ultimate Guide for Soccer Moms and Dads, that I had seen a soccer book designed to teach adults how to be good soccer parents. Both of my parents read the book and already I could see major improvements. There was no more hollering instructions from the sidelines, we had lots of drinks and fruit at halftime (which did help us play better), and best of all, my parents began giving encouragement rather than telling me what I did wrong. Seeing the total change in my parents, I decided that I would have to read the book also. After completing the book, I realized why my parents were acting so differently. Goal! has opened their eyes about not just soccer, but parenting also.

A must-read book for any soccer parent or coach

This book is a revelation for me. I played youth sports, and so do my daughters--quite seriously in fact. The way I do things: cheer, feed them, view their coaches and the game--has completely changed. I really liked the clear explanation of youth soccer (a game I did not grow up with), and the emphasis in the book on the family aspects of the game. It is a great resource guide, with so many good activities I can do with my daughters to help their soccer, and to help myself! Even if your child is only beginning this game (the book deals with that too), all the more reason to have it. And give it to your friends!