We have suggested that before you read the article by Mike Woitalla that you first take at look at our Practice Section - King's and Queen's Court - as they dovetail together perfectly.

Mike Woitalla is the Executive Editor of Soccer America Magazine.

He joined Soccer America in 1985 as an intern while attending the University of California in Berkeley.

Prior to joining Soccer America, Woitalla covered several sports -- including soccer, gymnastics, rugby and lacrosse -- at the Daily Californian.

Woitalla, who has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1982, double-majored in Rhetoric and German at the University of California. He was a member of the Golden Bears varsity soccer team and played for many years in the Bay Area's amateur leagues. He won a Hawaii state championship with Iolani High School, and worked as a referee and linesman throughout his teens.

He currently coaches youth soccer in Oakland, Calif.

Getting Kids To Play On Their Own

By Mike Woitalla

No one denies that children who want to excel at soccer should play the game in addition to their team's practices and games, but today's children have less unscheduled time than previous generations and more diversions. Getting them to choose soccer over other options - whether it be Guitar Hero or Webkinz - can require prodding from the parents.

Here are some methods that parents and coaches can use to encourage children to play on their own, and games they'll enjoy while improving their skills.