Quote of the Week
“Football is played with the head. Your feet are just the tools.”
— Andrea Pirlo
Youth Soccer Locator
I’ve been coaching for 15 years, and honestly, I’m still learning my way around the youth soccer landscape. With so many clubs, platforms, and pathways, it can be hard to keep track—and I know I’m not alone in that.
Right now, two major leagues dominate the conversation:
MLS NEXT
- Boys only
- Divided into two pathways:
- Homegrown
- Academy
Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)
- Includes both boys and girls
- One of the most established elite youth platforms in the country
👉 You can find all participating clubs using the Soccer Near Me page. Enjoy exploring.
Champions League – Knockout Playoff Results
- AS Monaco 2 – 3 Paris Saint-Germain
- Galatasaray 5 – 2 Juventus
- Benfica 0 – 1 Real Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund 2 – 0 Atalanta
Training Boost: Tactical Awareness
In Attack
A. Player not in possession
- Creates passing options through diagonal or crossover runs.
- Understands when to provide close support—and when to create space.
- Recognizes the right moment for take-overs and overlaps.
B. Player in possession
- Uses peripheral vision to identify the right moment to switch play.
- Shows penetrating vision to spot teammates further up the field.
- Knows when to play quickly, hold the ball, shield, dribble, or attack space at speed to open passing lanes.
- Identifies opportunities to combine with one-twos.
In Defense
During the immediate transition to regain possession, the player must recognize:
- When to step in and intercept.
- When tight marking can deny passing options (pressure).
- When, where, and how to tackle using proper posture.
- When to jockey and delay, forcing play away from goal.
- The fastest and smartest attacking option once possession is won.
Pulisic on the Move?
Reports from CaughtOffside suggest Christian Pulisic is being closely monitored by Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal.
Meanwhile, AC Milan have reportedly placed a valuation north of $80 million on the American winger. A potential sale could help Milan balance the books—but this is one to keep a close eye on. 👀⚽
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