"Hey, it's Neil Crawford, your host from Inside Scoop and the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Today's quick tip comes straight from my ebook on unconventional strategies for raising a competitive soccer player.

Tip #5: Play at least three times more than the average American kid. 🕰️⚽

Back when I wrote this, I noticed American kids weren't spending enough time on the ball compared to their global counterparts. So, my strategy for my kids was simple – triple the average time spent on soccer activities.

For my older son, this meant playing for two competitive clubs, a Hispanic club, indoor and footsall teams, rec soccer, free play, and individual training with me. I knew it was overwhelming, but it was a mix of everything soccer-related. I wanted soccer to be a part of his life, not just a serious commitment.

Fast forward, and my son, now 13, is on the ball around 13 to 16 hours a week. It's not just playing time; it's inclusive of film study, gym workouts, game watching, and more.

It's a huge time commitment, and I get that it's not for everyone. But if you're aiming for success in competitive soccer, this could be a solid starting point.

Remember, the engine of improvement is individual technical training. So, while team experiences are valuable, don't skip out on quality time at home. Let's get better together! ⚽🌟 #SoccerTips #PlayerDevelopment"