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Stoicism on the Sideline: Ancient Tools for Smarter, Stronger Youth Soccer Development
Stoicism offers simple, repeatable habits: clarify what’s controllable, choose intentional action, learn from outcomes, and reset quickly. These habits amplify the best parts of modern skill acquisition — problem solving, self-regulated practice, and resilience — while preserving the social support athletes need. Try one of these tools in your next session — and notice what changes.

Lindsay van Kessel
4 days ago


Representative Design: The Key to Smarter, Stronger Youth Players
Representative Design: The Key to Smarter, Stronger Youth Players

Lindsay van Kessel
Sep 18


Navigating the Coach-Parent Relationship: Building a Positive and Productive Partnership for Player Development
Navigating the coach-parent relationship isn’t about avoiding conflict. It’s about building trust, setting clear boundaries, and keeping the focus where it belongs: on the player’s experience. Parents and coaches don’t need to be best friends, but they do need to be allies.

Lindsay van Kessel
Sep 8


Building a Game Day & Training Identity: Why Mental, Social, and Emotional Development Is the Missing Link
The Starting Point When I first started coaching, I thought the biggest difference-makers were tactics, technique, and fitness. If a...

Lindsay van Kessel
Sep 2


Why “Exercise as Punishment” Is a Fear-Based Coaching Failure and what it really teaches young athletes
We’ve all seen it—or done it.The team’s not clicking. Mistakes are piling up.Coach yells, “On the line!”Now the players are running...

Lindsay van Kessel
Jul 25


The Importance of Discipline in Youth Soccer Development
As a coach, mentor, and parent, I’ve come to realize that one of the most underrated skills in youth development—especially in soccer—isn’t a fancy move or tactical awareness. It’s discipline.

Lindsay van Kessel
Jun 24


Embracing AI in Youth Soccer Coaching: A Balancing Act
I’ve been coaching soccer for a long time now. I’ve lost count of the number of kids I’ve worked with, the sessions I’ve planned, and the...

Lindsay van Kessel
Jun 2


Mastering SMART Goals in Soccer: A Guide for Youth Athletes and Coaches
In the fast-paced world of soccer, talent and hard work are crucial, but they are not enough to guarantee success. The real key to...

Lindsay van Kessel
May 26


Top 5 Mental Health Strategies for Athletes
In the competitive world of sports, athletes face immense pressure to perform at their best. This pressure can profoundly impact their...

Lindsay van Kessel
Nov 18, 2024