Goal! [Paperback]

Gloria Averbuch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 1999

Soccer, the most popular sport in the world, is scoring big with schoolchildren in the United States. In fact, the growth of youth soccer in this country over the past decade has been nothing short of astounding. Yet, despite the rapidly increasing numbers of American kids participating in soccer, there has been no book addressing the concerns and questions of a soccer family--until now.

This pioneering volume begins by answering parents' basic question:
-How do I chose the right soccer team for my child?
-What equipment does my child need, and how much will it cost?
-How do I know if my child is being coached properly?
-How can I learn the finer points of the game?

But the book goes beyond these fundamentals, covering:
-Nutrition and hydration for young athletes
-Improving soccer skills
-Conditioning and stretching
-Meeting your athlete's nutritional needs
-Moving to higher levels of soccer competition
-Special concerns for girls
-Being a supportive fan and parent

The book's two authors, one a devoted "soccer mom" and the other an accomplished professional player and coach, offer unique insights into all aspects of the sport, creating the definitive reference for millions of soccer parents nationwide.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gloria Averbuch is a soccer mom in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, and the author of six books on health and fitness.

Ashley Michael Hammond, a former professional English soccer player, is the founder and director of Ashley's Soccer Camp and the director of soccer training for seven towns in New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Rodale (April 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579540805
• ISBN-13: 978-1579540807
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,740,644 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How Goal! has changed my soccer parents., June 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Goal! (Paperback)

I am a serious 14-year-old player. Ever since I was four or five, my parents have attended every one of my games, whether it was a scrimmage, or an important State Cup match. They would holler their lungs out, yelling instructions to me from the sidelines. At halftime they would bring over the snack for the team, and after the game they would talk to me about how I could improve. As pretty involved soccer parents, of course our bookshelf at home was full of books about soccer skills, tactics, and drills. It wasn't until about a week ago when my dad came home with Goal! The Ultimate Guide for Soccer Moms and Dads, that I had seen a soccer book designed to teach adults how to be good soccer parents. Both of my parents read the book and already I could see major improvements. There was no more hollering instructions from the sidelines, we had lots of drinks and fruit at halftime (which did help us play better), and best of all, my parents began giving encouragement rather than telling me what I did wrong. Seeing the total change in my parents, I decided that I would have to read the book also. After completing the book, I realized why my parents were acting so differently. Goal! has opened their eyes about not just soccer, but parenting also.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read book for any soccer parent or coach, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Goal! (Paperback)

This book is a revelation for me. I played youth sports, and so do my daughters--quite seriously in fact. The way I do things: cheer, feed them, view their coaches and the game--has completely changed. I really liked the clear explanation of youth soccer (a game I did not grow up with), and the emphasis in the book on the family aspects of the game. It is a great resource guide, with so many good activities I can do with my daughters to help their soccer, and to help myself! Even if your child is only beginning this game (the book deals with that too), all the more reason to have it. And give it to your friends!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remember Who's Playing The Game, March 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Goal! (Paperback)

If I had one wish for all the adults out there who watch and coach kids playing soccer, it would be for them to understand and abide by the topics covered in the chapter "They Play to Have Fun." It might seem obvious but adults sometimes forget that everyone, especially kids, learn faster, easier, and better when they're having a good time. The entire book is full of excellent information (the best I've read) but this chapter alone makes it worth buying.