Soccer is the fastest growing youth sport in the world.  Childhood dreams of becoming a future star are more popular than everbefore.  Hopes of playing in college in the United States or signing the first professional contract at age sixteen in the United Kingdom now establish the need for a soccer specific long term developmental model.

However, there is very little research and practical information specifically for developing today's youth soccer player.  Unfortunately it is all too common that speed training for soccer is the same as track speed, and power development for a goalie is the same as for an american football player.  Yet these are totally different scenarios!

This section will answer the following questions and more:

• What is the ideal age to start a speed training program? 
• When can a child begin strength training? 
• What is the best way to properly strength train?
• Is there a difference between training boys and girls?
• What's the best way to get a young player fit?
• How should a young player best develop balance & coordination?

These questions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to designing a youth soccer developmental program.  Specific workouts will be provided along with coaching suggestions that address each of these issues.