The Best Way to Teach Ball Control to Your Players + More

Good morning,

My goal with every email is simple: to share my passion for youth soccer and the community that makes it thrive.

I hope you enjoy it, and I’d love to hear your feedback.

Coach’s Corner: Fun Pirate Island Game!

Coaches, we decided to switch it up this week and give you and your players a few fun drills that you can implement into your practices! The Pirate Island Game is a fun, themed activity for U6-U10 players that builds dribbling, ball control, and spatial awareness for your players.

Players will move around the marked areas, hopping between “islands” while keeping control of their ball, turning a simple drill into an imaginative pirate adventure for your players. This keeps kids active, engaged, and touching the ball constantly while developing confidence and love for the game!

Parents’ Corner: Proper Hydration and Nutrition!

As it finally begins to warm up and summer is on its way, keeping your players fueled and hydrated is key to fun and safe gameplay! Here’s a quick guide to help your child perform their best:

💧 Hydration Tips:

• Encourage water before, during, and after practice or games

• During hot days, encourage small sips of water every 20 or so minutes

• Avoid sugary drinks on game days, which can cause energy crashes

🍌 Snack tips: 

• light snacks, 30-60 minutes before play, like fruits, and granola bars

• low-fat yogurt, string cheese, or a small sandwich is good to refuel after games

• Avoid heavy, greasy, or overly sugary foods right before activity

For more tips on hydration and nutrition for your players, check out NFL Play Football: Hydration and Nutrition!

Players’ Corner — Protect Your Mind, Play Your Game

Jude Bellingham, a 22-year-old midfielder for Real Madrid and the England national team. Since rising through Birmingham City’s academy, he’s become one of Europe’s most exciting talents, known for his skill, confidence, and leadership on the pitch.

Even top players face pressure. Jude says vulnerability is strength and urges young athletes to talk about feelings, enjoy the game, and build a support system. He learned early on not to let social media define his worth.

He asks in this New York Times article:” Why should I let the opinions of people who don’t know me validate what I think of myself?”

Players, your main takeaway from this should be to focus on your growth, protect your mental space, and play with confidence and joy.

You can continue reading the article here!

UPCOMING: 2026 Golden Trout Cup — Petersburg, West Virginia — June 7, 2026

Girls Team of the Week: BMSC Roniettes - U13 Girls

Boys Team of the Week: North Allegheny SC- U9 Boys

Nominate Your Team for a Spotlight

We feature two programs every week — reply with your team’s story.

Community Spotlight: Raptors Soccer Foundation

Raptors Soccer Foundation brings a competitive, European-style approach to soccer in rural West Virginia, focusing on the Potomac Highlands region. They provide young athletes with opportunities beyond school sports to develop skills and game understanding.

Through affordable, year-round training, the foundation promotes teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game, helping talented, young players in rural areas reach their full potential!

Join Us in Growing the Game

If you know a coach, parent, player, or fan who would enjoy this, please forward it along and invite them to subscribe.

And if you ever want to share feedback, reply to this email — I read every response.

Here’s to Building American Soccer Together.

Warmly,

Madison Skaggs
Marketing Intern, UnitedGoals USA
[email protected] 
unitedgoalsusa.com