Lee Benting

Kids who grow up around the game move differently. It’s natural, not forced. But here in the U.S., that kind of rhythm and feel for the game has to start at home.

What is the point of this crap in a kid's cartoon? We have adults sitting in a room making these films and deciding this is an excellent TV for 5-10-year-old kids. Can someone help me understand this?

9 years old, 94 training sessions this year, with 1 hour of ball training twice a week. No gimmicks, just player, ball, and a couple of cones. We trained a lot and connected well. I came to understand her both as a person and as a player. Her family took the time to understand me as well, and my approach remained consistent. They did everything I asked of them regarding her activities outside of my practices and the team practices. The results have been phenomenal; she went from having talent to honing it and gaining consistency in ball control, dribbling,passing, and juggling you name it. It’s truly a privilege to watch her excel.

The word ELITE in youth soccer is so overused it's becoming laughable.

I am beyond outraged by the actions of the @CityofAllenTX, and it's time to call out not just them but also the broader trend we're seeing across our neighboring cities like @CityOfFriscoTx, @cityofplanotx and others. Yesterday at Spirit Park in Allen, a space that should belong to everyone, over 100 kids and other residents were kicked off the field to make way for a small group who, with the City’s backing, decided they had more rights to the park than the rest of us. But this isn’t just an isolated incident. It reflects a much larger issue that stretches across Allen, Frisco, Plano, and surrounding neighborhoods. Our tax dollars are being funneled into these parks—spaces meant to bring communities together—only for them to be locked down by the cities that are supposed to serve us. They impose outrageous rental fees, restrict access with arbitrary rules, lock up goals, and create an environment where only a few can fully enjoy these public spaces. Meanwhile, the supposed open areas for public use are often neglected, poorly maintained, and downright dangerous. This isn’t just about one day at one park. It’s about a systemic problem where our cities prioritize revenue over community, exclusivity over inclusivity, and favoritism over fairness. This has to stop. The cities of Allen, Frisco, Plano, and the surrounding areas must be held accountable. We deserve parks that are safe, accessible, and welcoming to all—parks that we, the taxpayers, have funded. No more should we be pushed aside, threatened, or made to feel like outsiders in our communities. Our parks belong to us, and it's time these cities start acting like it.

if you’re doing something good but not seeing the benefits right now, have the courage to stay focused and on course. Ride out the bumps, learn from them, and you’ll be more satisfied.

I’m putting together an article, and I need 100 coaches to give me their opinions on youth soccer in the United States. Any opinion is welcomed! Reply below 👇 Please give your Full Name and any credentials