NBC’s Kate Snow of Rock Center did a very informative piece on this alarming trend, how it affects the girls (girls in the interview claimed having multiple concussion over the past few years), what the warning signs are and what needs to be done to lower the numbers. Watch below:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

One trend I am very happy to see, at least in our area, is concussion testing at the high school level. Every high school athlete – whether they play football or are on the swim team – go through baseline concussion testing each season. I am wondering if this needs to become a service that is more readily available at the club sports and recreational sports level, too?

Additionally, there are three really important steps you can take as a parent to help prevent concussions in your athlete:

• Make sure she is wearing a mouthguard – mouth guards have been proven to provide additional structural stability in the skull which helps prevent a concussion.
• Know the symptoms of concussions and when in doubt have your athlete seen by a physician
• Resist the urge to let your athlete return to play until she is 100% medically cleared – stick to your guns – no matter how much she or her coach pressure you to let her go back early.

You may also be interested in a documentary by the University of Minnesota’s Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport highlighting the untold story of female athletes and concussion injuries. Knowledge is power when it comes to reducing the number of concussions young girls are suffering on the field.

Youth soccer season is in full swing across the nation! US Goalkeeper Tony Meola has teamed up with Allstate Insurance. As the official insurance sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Allstate has teamed up with Meola to help ensure that our nation’s youth soccer players are taking the proper precautions to protect themselves as they play this great game as well as to provide education and inspiration to youth soccer players this fall.

Tony’s Tips for Youth Soccer Players

• Avoid injuries by wearing shoes that fit. Not much equipment is required for soccer, but cleats that are too small or too big can irritate your feet. Also, don’t worry about those flashy cleats your friend is wearing. Wear what works for you. Still learning the game? Go with molded cleats over the more dangerous metal spikes. An all purpose cleat will serve you well until you get a better feel for soccer cleats.
• At halftime or in between games, get off your feet. To conserve energy in your legs, find a shady spot near the field, have a seat and rest up for the next half or game. If you can elevate your feet for a couple of minutes, that would help.
• For all goalkeepers out there, learn how to dive properly. The better your technique, the less inclined your are to get injured. Also, wear the padded pants to protect your legs. Taking proper training to be a goalkeeper will be well worth it.
• Cross-training by participating in multiple sports is a great way to train as well as avoid injuries, especially for field players. For example, the constant cutting, different speeds and short bursts in basketball translate very well to soccer. Being involved in other sports also helps.
• Don’t be a hero. Some soccer injuries can be caused by consistent overuse or playing through pain. If you sustain an injury, take the time to heal up so you can get back on the field! And remember – injuries need to be managed long term, not just in the short term.
• Stay hydrated to stay in the game! Whether you’re playing in a game or practicing, fluid replenishment is vitally important to battle fatigue and avoid dehydration, especially in the summer months. And remember – small sips or else you might find yourself right back on the sideline!
• Whether you win or lose, join your team for a brief cool down jog after the game. Icing after games is also a great way to begin the recovery process.

And one tip from me – HAVE FUN! Soccer is a game everyone can enjoy – whether you play in a league or in your backyard scrimmaging against your friends – soccer is great exercise.

In case you missed it, here are highlights from the epic comeback of the US Team against Brazil.

If you have not been consumed by this US Women’s Soccer Fever yet, I dare you not to watch the coverage of the game – it is as exciting as any Superbowl, any Stanley Cup Game or Olympic Swimming Relay – seriously! Go tune in now at ESPN or ESPN3.com and catch the soccer bug!

And if you haven’t already, get your 2011 USA Women’s World Cup Gear Today!

Mia Hamm is retired from soccer and is now raising two daughters of her own. Additionally, Mia has a foundation for raising funds and awareness for families needing marrow or cord blood transplants and continuing the growth in opportunities for young women in sports.

A good mouthguard will serve two key roles in the safety of an athlete:

• The mouthguard will protect the teeth and gums from lacerations, breaks and other injuries as a result of being hit by the ball, a stick, another player, or falls.
• The mouthguard will also offer a level of protection against concussions by stabilizing the jaw and absorbing some of the impact.

Mouthguards will not prevent all injuries, but according to mouthguard manufacturer Shock Doctor, it is estimated that mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 injuries each year.

The athletes are required to wear their mouthguards anytime a ball is in play – which means from the beginning of practice until the end and the entire game. It’s just that important. Our league has even gone as far as to require the athletes wear colored mouthguards to make it much easier for coaches and referees to visually check for mouthguards.

So, what kind of mouthguard do you get? Based on the research I have been doing and the recommendation of our coaches, the newer technology, double layer mouthguards are the way to go. Yes, they are more expensive, but the construction of the mouthguard is going to give more protection for your athlete. If your athlete wears braces, they make mouthguards specifically for braces, too (like the one pictured at the left).

Once you have the mouthguard, be sure to follow the manufacturers  instructions to a tee to get the best fit and most comfort for your player. Most require the mouthguard be boiled and then the athlete to bite on the mouthguard very hard while it is in their mouth. The better fitting mouthguard, the better! You may have to try a few mouthguards before your athlete finds the one that works best and while there are mouthguards for youth, intermediate and adult, take into account your child’s mouth size not just their age when picking out a mouthguard. Our daughter is very tall for 9 and while the youth mouthguard says ages 10 and under, her mouth fits much more comfortably into the one for ages 11 and up.

After each wear be sure to wash and dry the mouthguard and remind your athlete not to chew on it.

More resources on Mouthguards and their relationship to injury and concussion prevention in youth athletes:

• Mouthguard Facts
• Commentary: Role of Properly Fitted Mouthguards in Prevention of Sport-Related Concussion
• American Association of Orthodontics on Why Mouthguards

If your child (or you) play field hockey, ice hockey, soccer, lacrosse, football, softball, baseball or any other potential contact sport (ball, puck, stick or person), a good quality, good fitting mouthguard is an investment you absolutely must make!! As you can see, there is a wide range of styles and sizes available. Find one that works for your child and if the league doesn’t require it – you should! (click on the images below for where to buy).

Shock Doctor Gravity 2 Mouthguard (Strapless) Shock Doctor Gel Max Strapless Mouthguard / Mouth Guard / Mouth Piece (Blue / Black) Youth Braces Strapless Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Blue) Double STC Adult Strapless Mouthguard from Shock Doctor Youth Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Pink) Adult Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Pink) Youth Double Braces Strapped Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Blue) Adult Double Braces Strapped Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Blue) Youth Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Blue) Adult Double Braces Strapless Mouthguard from Shock Doctor (Blue) Adult Ultra STC Convertible Mouthguard from Shock Doctor Youth Ultra STC Convertible Mouthguard from Shock Doctor

One of the things I like so much about soccer is that it is a sport that requires very little special equipment, can be played or training can take place just about anywhere, and its a great sport for kids of all ages!

After one of the coldest, snowiest winters ever on the east coast, today finally felt like spring to me. The crisp blue sky, light wind and fresh smell in the air were part of it. The other part – MUD – glorious mud!

The pool my daughter swims at is on the campus of a small private high school. Today was the first day in a long time I have seen their athletes practicing outside – from soccer to golf, to softball and track, the kids were out.

The soccer players were obviously having the most fun as they were pretty much covered in mud from running and doing drills on a field that was covered in 20+” of snow only 4 short weeks ago. The teenage girls didn’t even seem phased by the mud – they just kicked off their muddy cleats at the entrance and went back to the conversation at hand – boys.

Tomorrow’s temperature is going to the low 70′s which means I may have to recruit a friend or two and go play golf – or even just hit off a bucket of balls. That new sporty pink and black golf towel I got for Christmas needs to see the sun. If nothing else, I can look forward to our afternoon run while the kids are at swim practice.

Ah… spring!

Kimberly at the Silicon Valley Moms site wrote a great piece on her experience with girls soccer and her daughter being an U8. From her post:

More like “real soccer,” is how my daughter defined the U8 play. Real soccer indeed. Many of the girls may not even be four feet tall, but they play at a level rivaling my old high school team, complete with take away slides, shoulder bumps and attempts at tricky footwork. The skill growth is impressive, but more surprising is the cut throat competitiveness accompanying it.

Keep us posted Kimberly – sounds like it is going to be a fun season!

Soccer.com has got a really great offer just in time for back-to-school and Fall soccer. Get a FREE Nike Backpack with orders of $150 or more at Soccer.com! Use Code: 1FREEBAG1

The Nike “Nutmeg” Backpack (black color only) is free with orders of $150 or more, from now until August 15th (or while supplies last). This is a great pack for soccer players. It includes a front, mesh ball sling, zippered pockets for guards and boots, as well as a large interior compartment for books and other gear.

If you are shopping for soccer apparel, footwear or equipment, you need to check out Soccer.com – they have a great selection and prices.

In today’s economy, soccer is also one of the most affordable youth sports. Most local parks and recreation departments have youth soccer leagues – many with season entry fees of less than $75. Once your athlete is registered, the list of equipment needed for soccer is pretty short – she’ll need Soccer Cleats, Shin Guards, soccer socks, shorts and a t-shirt.

One extra piece of gear that is not required but will make your life as a Mom easier – because it helps keep dirt on the field – are Cleatskins.
Cleatskins Kids slip over cleats to keep kids safe from slipping while walking in cleats on non-grassy surfaces, they protect the cleats, and they keep your car and entry way cleaner as the dirt and mud are covered. Save 10% With our exclusive Sportsgirls coupon code.

For more information on youth soccer, where to find a program near you, and soccer resources in general, check out:

• US Youth Soccer
• The American Youth Soccer Organization
• On the Pitch
• Diary of a Soccer Mom