Q1: As a fitness coach for a professional soccer club, what advice do you have for soccer dads looking to support their 10-18 year old kids in their athletic development?

I think for any parent looking to support their child in their athletic development, an exposure to different sports, especially in younger ages is a really good pathway to go down. I am of the belief that being able to play different sports and use the skills needed to be successful in each one will ultimately help develop the child when they begin to zone in one or two sports in particular. If you look at the skill sets of multi-sport athletes, they far outclass athletes who only play one individual sport, not to mention other benefits gained from multi-sports such as sportsmanship and etiquette.   

Q2: Many soccer parents are concerned about injury prevention for their children. What key exercises or training routines do you recommend for young athletes to minimize the risk of injuries on the field?

I think creating a good foundation of basic movement patterns at a young age is vital. Young athletes being able to squat, lunge, twist, bend and run with proper mechanics, all without weight first is going to not only help them in sport but also in life. Learning and mastering the basics will undoubtedly set them up for success. My philosophy is working with the basics first, mastering them and then diversifying a little, but not too much, from there.

Q3: With the increasing competitiveness in youth soccer, how can parents strike a balance between encouraging their children to excel while also ensuring they maintain a healthy relationship with the sport and avoid burnout?

Although I’m not a parent yet, I believe that the most important thing you can do to support your child is to give them opportunities to love what they are doing. Naturally, sports are competitive and there are times for success and failure, but ultimately the child has to fall in love with the sport, the training and the journey of practicing something to get better at it. A healthy relationship lies within the passion for the sport, the opportunity to be able to practice and for the ones that are going to be successful in a longer term, the ability to showcase their skills and compete. 

Q4: Nutrition plays a vital role in athletic performance. What dietary guidelines or nutritional habits do you suggest for young soccer players, and how can parents facilitate these habits in their children's daily routines?

Children at younger ages should be encouraged to eat a lot, as much quality nutrition as possible with the amount of calories that they will burn through a day. Fueling before and after training session is key, giving them the energy they need before practice or games to compete and then recover appropriately for the next day. Young athletes playing multiple games on weekends in tournaments for example can follow basic fueling strategies to keep them energized as they continue to develop into adolescents.

Q5: Can you explain some good training drills that kids can do to help prepare them better for advanced play? 

I think they best way kids can prepare for playing at advanced levels is continuing to develop basic skills, controlling the ball and being able to move it in different directions under no pressure can sometimes be a challenge. Players that are able to control the ball on the ground or get the ball under control when it has been in the air are at an advantage over their peers because they are able to use the next skill such as a dribble or a pass much quicker (perhaps while their peers are still trying to get the ball under control). Having good control of the ball, using basic exercises gives the child the opportunity to layer their skills, having a foundation of basic ball mastery.

An example of a simple ball control exercise would be throwing the ball into the air, using different surfaces of the body to control it with one touch and then using the second touch to pass the ball to a partner. These types of drills can be progressed into small dribbling and passing exercises that can be adapted for any skill level. Exercises that I would use with a professional team can be used the same with a younger, less talented age group.

An example of a basic dribbling and passing exercise can be show via the link below:

In this drill, players dribble between two markers in front of them, pass to a teammate in front of them, and then pass back to the beginning of the exercise. It is a very simple exercise but can be manipulated for the age and skill level of the players.

Thank you so much, Jack, for taking your time to share your expertise.

Bio:

Jack Kimber, the esteemed fitness coach of Atlanta United, hails from Manchester, England, but has called the USA home for the past 15 years. His journey into the realm of fitness and sports began during his college years at Erskine College, where he not only played soccer but also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Fitness. Afterward, Kimber delved into the coaching sphere, serving as a Graduate Assistant Soccer Coach at Georgia State University for four years while pursuing a Master's Degree in Sports Administration. Transitioning from college coaching to personal training, Kimber honed his skills before joining Atlanta United's ranks. Initially, he worked with Atlanta United 2 for a season before his dedication and expertise propelled him to the first team in 2019. As he embarks on his sixth season as the First Team Fitness Coach, Kimber continues to be a vital asset in ensuring the peak physical condition of Atlanta United's players.

If you have any questions for Jack, you can email him at jack.kimber@atlutd.com