If you’ve ever looked at your child’s schedule and thought, “8:30 PM? Really?” — you’re not alone. Yesterday, my 11-year-old had a late game that kicked off at 8:30 and ended close to 10. With a 20-minute drive home and school the next morning, it felt like a logistical puzzle. Late soccer games for kids are becoming more common — especially in club and select programs. But keeping their energy steady (and their morning moods manageable) takes a bit of prep and a lot of balan

If you’ve ever tried to get your kid out the door for soccer when it’s freezing, windy, or raining sideways — I get you. Growing up in Sweden, I learned one thing early: there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Now that I’m raising my little soccer players in Texas (where “cold” hits differently), I’ve mastered how to dress for cold soccer games using smart layering — keeping kids warm, dry, and focused on the game (not their freezing fingers). 1. Base Layer: The Foundation

If you’ve ever tried to pack for a soccer tournament weekend, you know it’s basically family camping with shin guards . Between hotel breakfasts, back-to-back games, and endless laundry, surviving tournament season takes planning, caffeine, and a good sense of humor. This guide breaks down the top 5 must-know soccer tournament tips for parents — whether it’s your first weekend or your fifth. Smart Packing for Tournament Weekends — Soccer Tournament Tips for Parents Forget “tr

Healthy Soccer Snacks for Kids — Homemade Seed Crispbread (Fröknäcke Recipe) Looking for healthy soccer snacks for kids that are easy to make, crunchy, and genuinely nutritious? This Swedish-style Fröknäcke seed crispbread has become a staple in our house. It’s loaded with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia, and flax — all packed with protein, fiber, and energy to keep little players going strong on game days. Ingredients (U.S. measurements) ½ cup sunflower seeds ¼ cup pump

If you’ve ever tried to get 5-year-olds to warm up before soccer practice, you know — it’s part strategy, part stand-up comedy. 😂 That’s why Coach Grandpa swears by Red Light, Green Light , one of the best soccer warm-up games for kids. It sneaks in soccer fundamentals while keeping it fun. Why Red Light, Green Light Is One of the Best Soccer Warm-Up Games for Kids This isn’t just a silly start to practice. It’s one of those timeless soccer warm-up games for kids that helps

Halfway through the season, I can’t help but notice the little things — the way he lines up faster, the way he claps his hands for teammates, and how excited he is every Thursday to put on his shin guards. These are the real signs of 5-year-old soccer progress , and they matter more than any scoreline. It’s wild how quickly the weeks go. A few games left, and suddenly he’s already asking, “Mom, where will I play when soccer ends?”  It’s both sweet and a little sad — that mome