Description
Book SynopsisThe interactions taking place between parents, children and coaches are recounted in this participant-observer investigation of American youth soccer. The study forming the basis of this book took place in the context of the recreational and competitive club soccer settings over a fourteen-year period in which the author served as a head coach-observer for twelve years and as a parent-observer for two. Questions and comments are provided for parents and coaches that will assist them in understanding the dynamics existing in the youth sport setting and in dealing with the inevitable conflict that will confront them. Researchers interested in youth sport will also find the book of value.
Trade ReviewAicinena's heartfelt and sincere study looks at youth sport participation from theoretical, conceptual, and personal (including his own children's) persepctives....Indeed, as a parent, this reviewer found herself reflecting on her experiences with her own child. Aicinena does not sugarcoat the world of youth sport but rather provides both the positive and negatice sides of the subject. This objectivity makes the volume a sound classroom resource as well as a fine addition to a circulating collection. It will greatly add to anyone's understanding of the world of youth sport. Summing Up: ESSENTIAL. Collections supporting the sociology of sport on all levels. -- K.H. Weiller, University of North Texas * CHOICE *
'Through the Eyes' has helped me to better understand youth sport. I have taken each experience recounted within the book and related it to a similar experience that I had. In this way, I feel I have a better understanding of why certain things happened the way they did while I was playing sports. -- K. Helmke, Youth Sport Coach, San Antonio, Texas
The issues brought to light in 'Through the Eyes' reveal the nature of American sport and the problems associated with it. Many people are narrow-minded and only able to see the impact that sport has on their own children and themselves. This book willenlighten readers as to what others experience. -- C. Kelly, High School Lacrosse Coach, Crofton, Maryland
Maybe by seeing what happened to the individuals in 'Through the Eyes,' those involved in youth sport will see the errors that were made and be able to be more effective parents and coaches as a result...what I learned will help me to better deal withparents and coaches who hold views that differ from mine. -- W. Cottle, High School Soccer Coach, San Angelo, Texas
'Through the Eyes' is a very thought provoking book that is full of useful information concerning how to serve effectively as the parent or coach of a young athlete. The questions posed in the book provide food for thought that any parent or coach involved in youth sport would benefit from. -- L. Terry, Fitness Instructor, Misawa, Japan
'Through the Eyes' was intriguing, informative and kept my interest from start to finish. It was basic enough that any coach, athlete, or parent would benefit from reading it and detailed enough that those in the field of kinesiology would appreciate it as a resource. -- D. Kazimer, Athletic Trainer
'Through the Eyes' is a very thought provoking book that is full of useful information concerning how to serve effectively as the parent or coach of a young athlete. The questions posed in the book provide food for thought that any parent or coach involved in youth sport would benefit from. -- L. Terry, Fitness Instructor, Misawa, Japan
'Through the Eyes' has helped me to better understand youth sport. I have taken each experience recounted within the book and related it to a similar experience that I had. In this way, I feel I have a better understanding of why certain things happened the way they did while I was playing sports. -- K. Helmke, Youth Sport Coach, San Antonio, Texas
The issues brought to light in 'Through the Eyes' reveal the nature of American sport and the problems associated with it. Many people are narrow-minded and only able to see the impact that sport has on their own children and themselves. This book will enlighten readers as to what others experience. -- C. Kelly, High School Lacrosse Coach, Crofton, Maryland
Maybe by seeing what happened to the individuals in 'Through the Eyes,' those involved in youth sport will see the errors that were made and be able to be more effective parents and coaches as a result...what I learned will help me to better deal with parents and coaches who hold views that differ from mine. -- W. Cottle, High School Soccer Coach, San Angelo, Texas
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Acknowledgments Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Introduction, Method and Setting Chapter 4 The Coach Chapter 5 The Teams: The Strikers and the Force United Chapter 6 The End of the Force United Chapter 7 On to Greater Things (for a Cost) Chapter 8 The Relationship Between Club Soccer and High School Soccer Chapter 9 The Coach's Son Chapter 10 The Kids Chapter 11 Great Expectations Chapter 12 Tournament and International Play Chapter 13 The Epitome of Ugliness Chapter 14 The Socialization of the Parents Chapter 15 Players' Comment at Age Twelve Chapter 16 Concluding Observations and Comments Chapter 17 Appendix: Sport Participation Model Evaluation Scale Chapter 18 Author Notes Chapter 19 References Chapter 20 About the Author
