If you’re a volunteer coach, the chances are you’re going to be asked to referee a youth soccer match at some point. This is a daunting task as refereeing at any level can be fraught with difficulties. These articles offer our tips and insights on how to deal with parents, coaches, players, the weather and all the other problems which make refereeing one of the hardest jobs in soccer.
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
It’s getting harder to get referees for junior matches. So what can we do about it and why is there a shortage? Problems off the pitch Hundreds of junior games are abandoned every year by the referee. Why? Well it isn’t due to the players. In my experience it isn’t on the pitch where the... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 10 and the method of scoring. This law applies to: 11-a-side, 7-a-side, minis. A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 12, which deals with fouls and misconducts. A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following seven offences: Kicks or attempts to kick an... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 13, which deals with free kicks. Mini soccer All free kicks are direct and opponents must be 5 yards from the position the infringement took place. Junior soccer 7-a-side Free kicks are direct... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 14, which deals with the penalty kick. These rules apply to: 11-a-side, 7-a-side and minis. A penalty kick is awarded against a team that commits one of the ten offences for which a... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 15, which deals with throw-ins. These rules apply to: 11-a-side, 7-a-side and minis. A throw-in is a method of restarting play. A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 16, and covers the goal kick. These rules apply to: 11-a-side, 7-a-side and minis. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team. A goal kick... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 17, and covers the corner kick. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team. A corner kick is awarded when: The whole of the ball,... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
This video clip from Sports Coach UK covers various sports but includes valuable advice for inexperienced youth soccer coaches on the importance of planning and organising your coaching sessions. Pete Sturgess, National Development Coach 5-11 for the Football Association (2.23 min), emphasises the importance of pre-planning your sessions but also talks about when to deviate... MORE
in Refereeing, Tips and advice
These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 1, the rules associated with the field of play. The length of the touchline must be greater than the length of the goal line. Small-sided games – recommended pitch sizes: Under 6, 7... MORE
Small-sided games are recognised throughout grassroots and professional coaching as one of the best methods to coach soccer skills and tactics. MORE
Soccer Warm-Ups Made Simple offers 58 great training and matchday activities to help your players prepare for matchday. MORE
New to coaching? EasiCoach is an age-specific, easy to follow coaching curriculum for beginner coaches. This edition covers U13 and U14. MORE
