The facts for your kid being the next Messi

Messi’s story inspires thousands of young children (and their parents) worldwide to pursue their dream of becoming professional footballers. From the humble neighbourhoods of La Bajada, in the Argentine city of Rosario, to becoming a legend. As a result, thousands of kids pack their suitcases every year to go to Europe to see if they are lucky enough to land a contract. However, let me reveal what the actual statistics show.  September 2000   A young 13-year-old Messi set foot in Barcelona … Read more

Are You Fit Enough To Play Football?

Con Boutsianis' article about how improving the fitness level on footballers

Nowadays, your fitness condition is just as critical as your technique and game awareness. A great example is in the recent Champions League Final where Kante’s man of the match performance was instrumental for Chelsea to win their 2nd Champions League Final. He is renowned as one of the fittest players in football, which constantly … Read more

Soccer Girls: 9 rules to become the next Samantha Kerr

Soccer Girls by Con Boutsianis

Are you excited about the Women’s World Cup in 2023? Well, I am, and how great is it that we have it right on our doorstep with our neighbours in New Zealand, so we will watch the games live or on tv at a more comfortable time for a change. I am glad to know … Read more

7 common mistakes that will kill your kid’s soccer career!

Article "7 common mistakes that will kill your Kid's football career" by Con Boutsianis

A couple of months ago, I was in a Zoom meeting with the Director of one of the best football/soccer academies in Europe, and he said, “From my point of view, the biggest hurdle for the players’ career is their parents”. It was a rather harsh statement, but I do see his point. For instance, I’ve seen many young players … Read more

How Can Learning Chess Make You a Great Footballer?

How Can Learning Chess Make You Succeed as a Footballer? By Con Boutsianis

Over the years, there have been many comparisons made between Football/ Soccer and Chess. They are similar in many ways from a strategic or tactical point of view. In this article, I will outline the important analogies about mastering both games.   The 6 Key Rules for Chess & Football/Soccer Thinking Ahead  The goal in chess … Read more

Why is your kid not scoring goals during the weekends?

Soccer for Kids Football First Con Boutsianis

We all want our kids to do well in a match. Scoring goals lifts everyone’s confidence and morale. The goal scorer is considered the standout of a team, and everyone wants to be that person. Therefore, why is it that your kid is struggling to score on the weekend? Is it because he or she has just … Read more

Who matters the most, the coach or the soccer players?

Post Con Boutsianis.Does the Coach or the soccer players make the difference to the team winning?

One of the most controversial questions is: Does a coach or the soccer players make the main difference to a team winning or losing competitions?. Many believe that when a team is losing that the manager must get the sack. Some people think that the players must take the blame as well. Still, the manager … Read more

How To Learn Soccer Skills Fast

In today’s world of football (soccer), we are continually trying to instil game strategies and tactics into our player’s heads. The intensity of the games is so high and physically demanding that they require a high level of fitness, technical skills, psychology, and tactical awareness. Everyone can develop an excellent level of strength, technique and … Read more

Which Soccer Balls Are The Best? From Grasshoppers To Adults

Con Boutsianis' article

From size one to size five balls, you can use every ball, even a tennis ball to develop your football skills in your training sessions at home or your local park. Learn how to pick your ball with this easy guide.   If your child is interested in the game of football/soccer and you want to buy … Read more

Self-Esteem, The Critical Component For Youth Development In Football

Self-Steem post Football First

One of the significant issues involving children and even adults, both personal and professional development is self-esteem.   Nowadays, we engage our kids in a sports activity, so we can keep them physically active and let them socially interact with their team and or coaches. Therefore, most parents are questioning if their kids should worry about … Read more