National Peanut Board - Two Generations, One Team

The making of Weston McKennie: How America's most unique talent reached the top — and the team behind the scenes who helped him along the way

Weston McKennie is one of soccer's most unique talents. Even on the world's biggest stage, the 24-year-old American stands out in the middle of the pitch with his all-action style, covering every blade of grass, arriving first to every contested ball and occasionally looking like a one-man midfield out there.

But Weston would be the first to admit that his meteoric rise to playing for Italy's biggest club and representing his country on the world’s stage is grounded in the help, commitment and sacrifice of teammates, family, friends, and coaches.

How to throw the best watch party for the biggest soccer tournament of the year

There is nothing wrong with watching a soccer game alone, but hear us out: why don't you throw an unforgettable party? Sure, there will be people asking you what an offside is or suggesting that soccer goals need to be bigger to have more enticing scoreboards, but that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating this event that occurs once every four years. 

A Soccer Player's Journey Across the Globe

Soccer in New Zealand is physical, competitive and for me it was an important part of my everyday life back home. 

Due to the country being small, New Zealand doesn’t have its own professional league. There is only one professional men’s soccer club in the country. Unlike Europe or other parts of the world, this makes the pathway to a professional contract unorthodox and the lack of systems in place mean that you must pave your own way. 

Expert Nutritionist Provides Tips & Tricks For Maintaining Fitness And Avoiding Injury

Preseason training is in the past, school is in session and the new season is now in full swing. 

When you think about what you want to accomplish over the coming months, there's a lot that's out of your control — things that are dependent on your coach, the opponent, etc. — but you can give yourself the best possible chance of success by maintaining a routine that keeps you prepared, elevates your performance and ultimately reduces your risk of injury. 

Getting Back In Shape For Soccer Season? An Expert Nutritionist Is Here To Help

Summer vacation is over. If you've been avoiding the heat by staying inside and relaxing on the couch in front of the TV with a selection of your favorite processed foods, the idea of whipping yourself into shape for the fall can certainly feel daunting.  

But whatever your soccer goals, fitness ambitions or workout plans are, your best intentions can be sabotaged by failing to recognize the importance of nutrition, hydration and recovery in your daily training regimen.

Watch: The18's Teamwork Challenge Event Presented by National Peanut Board

Imagine kicking soccer balls at an 18-foot-tall dart board, dodging giant exercise balls while dribbling through a maze of cones, a catapult launching soccer balls from 40 yards away and shooting through seemingly peanut-sized targets. Daunting, sure, but add in a teammate and it becomes an exhilarating afternoon of cooperation. 

We Put Youth Soccer Players Through Ridiculous Challenges In The Name Of Teamwork

Imagine kicking soccer balls at an 18-foot-tall dart board, dodging giant exercise balls while dribbling through a maze of cones, a catapult launching soccer balls from 40 yards away and shooting through seemingly peanut-sized targets. Daunting, sure, but add in a teammate and it becomes an exhilarating afternoon of cooperation. 

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