Blending contemporary sports science theory with youth specific coaching practice, this book offers soccer development strategies that are tailored to the needs of young players.

Youth Soccer: From science to performance provides the first comprehensive guide to the science behind the development of young soccer players. Each chapter in this innovative edited collection by the worlds leading football science specialists demonstrates how sports science research can, and should, directly inform coaching practice. Includes:
*growth of physiological systems
*development of motor and perceptive skills
*paediatric environmental physiology
*prevention of injury
*diet and nutrition
*youth fitness and skills training
*effective teaching and coaching of juniors
*the role of football academies

1. An Introduction to the science of youth soccer 2. The growth of the physiological systems 3. Environmental factors in youth soccer 4. Injury in youth soccer players 5. The young female soccer player 6. Developing fitness in the young soccer player 7. Nutrition for young soccer players 8. Acquiring soccer skills: Effective practice and instruction 9. Perceptual and cognitive expertise: Developing game intelligence 10. The science of pedagogy and youth soccer coaching 11. Psychosocial considerations of elite youth player development 12. The role of the football academy.