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U.S. Soccer Foundation Annual Grants Program

The U.S. Soccer Foundation's highest priority is to support projects and programs that focus on soccer as a youth development tool in economically disadvantaged urban areas. Grants are for 1)  field building and 2) Progams. The grants open October 17, 2011 
Grantees: 
To be eligible for a Field Building Grant, you must: Apply on behalf of a program or project operating in the United States Be a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, school, municipality, college or university, or sovereign tribal nation Apply as, or on behalf of a field building project Own, or have a minimum of a 10 year land lease/land use agreement on the land where the field building project will take place If applying for Sports Lighting, you must have written authorization from the community where the field building project is located, authorizing the addition of lights to the field(s) To be eligible for a Program Grant, you must: Apply on behalf of a program or project operating in the United States Be a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, school, municipality, college or university, or sovereign tribal nation Apply as, or on behalf of a soccer specific program
Awards: 
All Program Grants: up to $50,000 Footprint Field >Grants: up to $200,000 Sport Court Grants: up to $65,000 Sports Lighting Grants: up to $50,000 Irrigation Grants: up to $15,000
Deadline: 
November 18, 2011-- 5:30 pm EST

Inspireum Soccer Awards

The Inspireum Soccer Awards program searches the nation for the most outstanding young soccer players who inspire and lead their teammates, schools and communities. This program looks beyond traditional athletic performance measures to award heart, team-oriented values, and inspirational impact that help youth succeed throughout life.

Grantees: 
Anyone can nominate a player! Describe how your inspirational player exemplifies the qualities of character, courage, contribution and commitment and how he or she inspires their teammates, school, family, or community.
Awards: 
$25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded amongst the 12 Finalists by the Trusted Sports Foundation.
Deadline: 
November 9, 2011

Start Young if You Want to Play in College

Soccer StarWhatever your sport is, the key to developing into a competitive athlete with a possible view to playing in college is starting early!  Beginning at an early age enables athletes to sharpen their skills so they will always on top of their game.

Most soccer players begin in the diaper division and play on small fields, small- sided teams, with 5 v. 5, not the usual 11 v. 11.  This way everyone gets to touch the ball, play offense, defense and even score a goal.  The key to having younger players in sports is that it is fun, builds self-esteem, teaches them to play with others, and gets them up and moving.  

Whatever your sport is, the key to developing into a competitive athlete
with a possible view to playing in college is starting early! 
Beginning at an early age enables athletes to sharpen their skills so
they will always on top of their game.

Become a Professional Footballer: 6 Footy Secrets for Aspiring Young Players: Pt. 2

Becoming a professional footballer is a very difficult goal, and young players ought to be realistic, while relentless, in their pursuit of this worthwhile dream.

It is a harsh reality that only a small percentage of aspiring players make it to the signing of a professional contract. Young players should understand this, and pursue a solid educational background in order to prepare for the likelihood of life outside of the beautiful game called football.

However, if you're determined and willing, then you have a better chance of achieving your football dreams than most. In part two of this article series, we'll cover three more tips for young aspiring players.

Become a Professional Footballer: 6 Footy Secrets for Aspiring Young Players: Pt. 1

Becoming a professional player in any country, at any level, takes long-term dedication and determination to develop yourself as a player. It takes regular and progressive training under qualified accredited coaches. Players must have a positive attitude and good character, and always give a 100 percent effort in all training sessions and matches.

But it takes more than talent. Aspiring young professionals must either secure good, honest representation and football contacts, or tirelessly self-promote in order to secure the all-important trials with professional football clubs.

Youth Soccer Players Need High Calorie Diet

The calories burned during a soccer game, much less a two-day tournament, require soccer players to literally be eating all the time, so parents need to feed youth soccer players a high calorie diet for peak performance.

Thierry Henry's Hand Ball Goal: Bad Sportsmanship or Bad Officiating?

When Thierry Henry of France handled the ball not once but twice to set up the goal that sent France to the 2010 World Cup over Ireland - clear violations of the Laws of Soccer that the referee and the linesman somehow missed - was it bad sportsmanship for Henry or bad officiating that let it stand?

EduKick Football Academies Tips: What Coaches Look For in Pro Players

If you want to play football like a professional, then you need to start thinking like a professional. Football academies offer a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their skills but you have to be willing to work hard on and off the pitch.

Players in EduKick football academies train under the eye of professional team coaches and staff day in and day out. Bolton Wanderers International Academy staff coach EduKick players in England and in Madrid, Spain they train under the technical staff of the famous Aragones family. The pace can be intense.

EduKick International Soccer Boarding School: A Mom's Perspective

Making the decision to send a child overseas can be tough, but as one mother found out, it could be one of the best decisions that you make.

Fran Stone made the decision to let her 15-year-old son, Jared, travel to England for six months, where he attended EduKick's half-year international soccer boarding school in Bolton, England.

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