Life Lessons from Soccer

Parent-tested and approved by the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), this indispensable book by a parent, coach, and doctor shows soccer moms, dads, and coaches how to encourage children to look beyond winning and to turn every game and practice into an opportunity to teach life lessons.

Dr. Vincent Fortanasce applies his expertise in child development to guide parents and coaches on:

• Emphasizing fun over performance and morality over victory
  
• Understanding the way kids think and their capabilities at each developmental stage
  
• Controlling their own touchline behavior
  
• Instilling character, conscience, and courage in every player, regardless of talent
  

In Life Lessons from Soccer, Vincent Fortanasce celebrates the enchantments of soccer as a learning ground for family values and life lessons -- and for becoming closer to your children on and off the field.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

1 Dreams

2 The Game

I: THE KEYS TO SUCCESS

3 Communication

4 The Present

5 Attitude

6 Acceptance

II: WHY YOU AREN'T USING THE KEYS

7 Expectations

8 Emotional Intelligence

9 Development

10 Attention

III: SOCCER IS SPELLED C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R

11 Success

12 Character Versus Talent

13 Character: The What

14 Character: The How

15 Rules Versus Spirit

16 Conscience

IV: HOW TO CREATE A HARMONIOUS GAME

17 Harmony

18 Cheering

19 The Cell Phone Invaders

20 Violence

V: PARENTING

21 Parent Power

22 Parental Consistency

23 Virtual Insanity: Sports' Greatest Enemy

24 Joining In

25 The Family Value

VI: COACHING

26 The Coach

27 The Mother of All Meetings

28 The Coach's Letter

29 The Marathon

30 How to Find the Right Coach

31 The Last Life Lesson

VII: WHAT IS THIS GAME CALLED SOCCER?

32 The Rules That Protect the Spirit of Soccer

GLOSSARY OF SOCCER TERMS

INDEX