As coaches, we are looking to improve the strength, endurance and range of motion in your children as they train in our soccer programs. We use our own training and knowledge of the sport to make sure your children get well-balanced workouts that will improve their fitness levels. We also know that their bones and muscles are still in a growth state which can make them more likely to sustain an injury. Avoiding injuries is a top priority for us on the field. Here is what you can do at home to help us keep your children injury-free:

Stretch on the off days

It only takes a few minutes of targeted stretches to improve flexibility in your children. You can have them follow along to a youtube video or print out a few ideas from an online site. They may even have a stretching routine from their coaches that they can remember and follow. A little goes a long way when it comes to a stretching routine.

Proper nutrition during season

Eating a well-balanced diet gives sustains energy and helps to build strong bones. The stronger their bodies are from the inside out, the more stronger their bodies will be to resisting injury.

Build strength around key joints

The most common injury in our soccer kids are around knees and ankles. You can strengthen the muscles around the joints with strengthening the quadriceps and also the feet.

Keep a sense of lightness

If kids are tense, nervous, scared or second guessing themselves, their movements are going to be jittery. We want them to play their best when they are on the field, but they need to be able to feel their own fluidity in movements. This leads to less injuries over time and more trust in their abilities.

Let’s keep our kids safe and healthy for a lifetime of soccer. We might inspire them, but the parents are the ones that help instill healthy habits for lifetime. If you do suspect an injury on the field, make sure you get medical attention and let your coach know.