The Second Secret Behind Coach Sumser’s Success: “I showed up at their plays and performances.”

Last week I introduced you to Chas Sumser, the “no-cut” coach, formerly of the Loudon Vipers boys team and then the Leesburg FC Avalanche girls team. Both teams he agreed to take on at the request neighboring children who asked … Continue reading

Is Comparison Stealing the Potential from Our Kids?

There’s so much pressure to be the star player out there. The best, the most, the fastest, the biggest, the strongest. While encouraging kids to reach their potential is important – and what parents, coaches and teachers have done since … Continue reading

If Coach is in Charge of Player Development, Who is in Charge of Coach Development?

We pour, time, energy, heart and money into developing our kids, but what about their coach? In my last post I suggested beginning with the end in mind so you know the way to the finish line for your athlete. Expect a … Continue reading

US Soccer Has a Player Development Problem: Julie Foudy offers new/old perspective

What if the best way to get your kid on the U.S. National Team was to not attend their games? Or allow them to quit soccer for a season or two on a whim? Both of these techniques worked for … Continue reading

Playing Up: Is developing their skills worth giving up our win?

Cat was her name; she was the ringer on my daughter’s U9 travel team. It was the spring season and they had been a miserable failure (in soccer terms) in the fall. When Cat joined the team mid-year, things had … Continue reading