In “Happy Feet: A Gold Star Soccer Parent’s Playbook,” Dan Blank offers a bit of a preachy take on the world of youth soccer, but one that parents would be wise to heed. Happy Feet is very directive in nature and not the typical sports parenting guide, but a parent that follows it will be setting the conditions for their child’s success. Blank, known for his insightful approach to coaching and parenting in the realm of soccer, brings a wealth of knowledge, a dash of humor, and some very strict rules for parents if they want their kids to keep playing soccer into their teenage years. He posits that 75% of young soccer players quit playing soccer before the age of 13 due to parental impacts..

The book is not about the basics of soccer drills and game strategies, instead delving into the crucial role parents play in their child’s soccer journey. Blank explores the delicate balance between support and pressure, encouraging readers to foster a positive and nurturing environment for their budding soccer stars.

One of the standout features of the book is Blank’s emphasis on the holistic development of young players. He goes beyond the field to address the importance of mental resilience, teamwork, and character-building. By advocating for a well-rounded approach to soccer parenting, Blank aims to create not just skilled players but confident, well-adjusted individuals.He believes that parents have a direct impact on the conditions set for their child’s success or failure.

Happy Feet: The Gold Star Soccer Parent’s Playbook is filled with practical advice, from navigating the complexities of youth soccer leagues to handling the inevitable ups and downs of a child’s sports journey and how to handle the relationship with the coach. Blank’s writing is accessible and engaging, making it easy for parents to relate to the challenges and triumphs depicted in the book. A downside of the book is that it is very judgy and a parent could come away feeling like they can’t do anything but sit on their hands at the game. He uses a lot of examples of parental behavior that for the new soccer parent may be a little counter intuitive, but most people experienced in youth soccer would agree that Blank’s lessons are important for parents to learn early in their child’s soccer journey.

Moreover, the author draws on his own experiences as a soccer coach and parent, adding a personal touch that resonates with readers. Blank’s anecdotes and real-life examples serve as valuable lessons, illustrating the principles he advocates throughout the book.

In a market saturated with sports parenting guides, “Happy Feet” stands out as a beacon of wisdom and encouragement, if you can get past the judgy nature of the lessons. Whether you’re a seasoned soccer parent or a newcomer to the world of youth sports, Dan Blank’s Gold Star Soccer Parent’s Playbook is a must-read, offering a roadmap to not just success on the field, but a fulfilling and positive soccer experience for both parent and child alike.For some additional thoughts on being a soccer parent today, then check out https://moderndadtopics.com/youth-sports/modern-soccer-parent/

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