Sports Girls Play

Girls youth sports news, tips and resources for raising a happy, healthy athlete

  • Home
  • About / Contact
  • Resources
  • Shop for Girls Sports Gear
  • Disclosures

Youth Soccer Tips from US Goalkeeper Tony Meola

Youth Soccer Tips Tony Meola

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.

October 4, 2011 1 Comment

Olympic Champion Shawn Johnson’s Comeback Ahead of Schedule

Olympic champion Shawn Johnson has been working on her comeback to competitive gymnastics after time off, winning Dancing with the Stars, and keeping up with her busy media schedule. Originally she was schedule to make her comeback debut in August at the 2011 Visa Championships in St. Paul, MN, but according to a USA Gymnastics’ Facebook status update and a report from International Gymnast, Shawn Johnson will be competing the Cover Girl Classic in July.

The Cover Girl Classic is being held in Chicago on July 23rd. It is one of the meets that gymnasts can use to qualify to the 2011 Visa Championships which is considered to be a stepping stone for many in their journey to earn a berth on the 2012 US Olympic Team. Shawn will only be competing in two events – most likely bars and beam – for both the Covergirl Classic and Visa Championships as she is still recovering from knee surgery. I’m excited to see how she does – as so many comebacks are disappointing – but I’m rooting for Shawn!!

Shawn has also signed a sponsorship deal with Nike leading into the 2012 London Olympic Games. She will be wearing Nike cross-training gear, but I can only wonder if Nike will launch a line of Shawn Johnson apparel. Its unlikely they will enter into the leotard arena, but you never know.

Image Source: ShawnJohnson.net

June 29, 2011 1 Comment

Nastia Liukin and Evan Lysacek – The Latest Gold Medal Couple

According to a tweet a few minutes ago from Universal Sports, Olympic Gold Medal winning gymnast Nastia Liukin is officially dating Evan Lysacek, the newly crowned Olympic mens ice skating champion.

Seen here at the ESPY awards, Nastia and Evan have been dating since last summer, but word is that its now official. They do make a very striking couple!

February 22, 2010 Leave a Comment

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Find Your School. Shop Your Gear.

School Banner

Recent Posts

  • FANCHEST – A Unique Gift for College Bound Athletes
  • Ways to Keep Kids in Sports Longer
  • Sports Girls Essentials – Recovering from a Tough Workout
  • Gifts for Girls Who Play Volleyball
  • Printable Instructions for Common Uses for KT Tape

Reader Favorites

  • Free Printable Training Journal Page
  • Tips for Dealing with Gymnasts’ Hand Rips
  • Hairstyles for Gymnastics and Cheerleading
  • Getting Past I Quit
  • Mouthguards Are A Must For Field Sports
  • Coaching Tips: Sandwich Your Corrections
  • The Power of Youth Sports
  • kids science kits

Sports Girls Love

Got Running Pains? Biofreeze - It's like ice, but better! Shop Now Evolve Fit Wear Banners College Ladies Gear at Fanatics.com

KT Tape | Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape | Train Longer. Finisher Stronger. | Shop Now

Categories

  • Athlete Profiles
  • Athletics
  • Basketball
  • Books
  • Celebrities
  • Cheerleading
  • Coaching
  • College Sports
  • Competition
  • Deals
  • Diving
  • Everyday Fitness
  • fashion
  • Fencing
  • Field hockey
  • Fun Friday
  • Fundraising
  • Gear
  • gifts
  • Golf
  • Great Resources
  • Gymnastics
  • High School Sports
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • In the News
  • Injuries
  • Lacrosse
  • Life Lessons
  • Movies
  • NCAA
  • Nutrition
  • Olympics
  • On TV
  • Pan American Games
  • Parenting
  • Resources
  • Rowing
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • SGP Go-Getters
  • Shows
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Strength Training
  • Swimming
  • Taekwondo
  • tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Videos
  • Volleyball
  • Wednesday Workout
  • winter olympics
  • Winter Sports
  • Wordless Wednesday
  • Youth Sports

Let’s Connect

Email us Like us on Facebook follow us on Twitter

Copyright © 2018 · Jane Theme By, Pretty Darn Cute Design