Good morning,

Youth soccer gives us plenty to focus on — results, rankings, tournaments and the next game.

This week, we're looking a little further ahead: what actually helps young players develop over time?

We've got something for coaches, parents and players below, plus the return of our Teams of the Week.

I hope you find something useful!

🧠 Coach's Corner: Teach Players to Find the Answer

What does training look like when the goal is to develop players who can think for themselves?

FIFA recently went inside the academy at Polish club Legia Warsaw. In its U10 environment, coaches emphasize scanning, receiving under pressure and making decisions — but an interesting part is how they teach it.

Instead of constantly giving players answers, coaches use questions: What do you see? What can you do? What solution would you choose? About 90% of Legia's work is done in game-based activities where opponents, teammates and real decisions are present.

One activity is particularly simple: a 3v3 game with four scoring gates. Once a team scores through one gate, that gate becomes unavailable for the next attack. Players have to continually scan, find the new opportunity and reposition before the next decision arrives.

The takeaway: don't just train players to execute the right answer. Create situations where they have to find it themselves.

Parent's Corner: Learn From It. Then Move On.

Every player makes mistakes. Every player has bad games.

Maybe they missed a big chance, gave the ball away, or simply didn't play well. That's part of competing.

There's value in recognizing what went wrong, but there's a difference between learning from a mistake and dwelling on it. Replaying every moment over and over won't change the result — and one bad performance doesn't define a player.

Learn what you can. Put the game behind you. Show up ready for the next one.

One of the most valuable things young athletes can develop isn't a soccer skill at all. It's the ability to respond to a bad day without letting it become a bad week.

⚽ Player's Corner: Check Your Shoulder

Here's your challenge this week:

Before you receive the ball, look away from it.

Check over your shoulder and find three things:

1. Where's the pressure?
2. Where's the space?
3. Where's my next option?

Try to get one quick look before the ball reaches you every time you can.

The best time to decide what you're going to do with the ball is often before you have it.

🎯 Your Game-Day Challenge

See how many times you can scan before receiving during your next game.

🏆 Teams of the Week

Girls Team of the Week: Team Crush (Baltimore Bays SC)

Boys Team of the Week: TejMar Elite

💬 One Question for Soccer Families

We're always looking for ways to improve the tournament experience, so this week we'd like to hear directly from you:

What's one thing you wish youth soccer tournaments did better?

Scheduling? Competition levels? Communication? Awards? Facilities? Something else entirely?

Reply directly to this email and let us know. I read every response, and your feedback helps shape how we approach future UnitedGoals USA events.

⚽ Two More Chances to Play in 2026

Join Us in Growing the Game

Enjoying the newsletter? Help us keep growing it.

If you know someone who would enjoy it, forward them this email and invite them to join us.

Have an idea for a future edition? Reply directly to this email. I read every response.

Here's to Building American Soccer Together.

Warmly,

Colin Gorini
Founder, UnitedGoals USA
[email protected] 
unitedgoalsusa.com