As a parent of high-performing athletes, our rule is simple: education is the highest priority in our home.
The resources below helped our kids excel in the classroom while juggling demanding training and travel—and they were part of the inspiration behind building Anytime Soccer Training’s step-by-step approach.
Related: 25 Ways to Beat Soccer Stink
I’ve also added a few Amazon picks (affiliate links) that make study time smoother on busy soccer days.
Quick Summary (free and paid study sites)
- Zearn Math — Free — https://www.zearn.org/
- ReadTheory — Free — https://readtheory.org
- Khan Academy — Free — http://www.khanacademy.org/
- Free Reading Program — Free — https://www.freereadingprogram.com/
- IXL — ~$100–$200/yr — https://www.ixl.com/
- XtraMath — Free — https://xtramath.org/
- Code.org — Free — https://code.org/
Rule #1: Carry Books in the Car
Travel to and from games eats time; we turn it into bonus study minutes.
Ten minutes of reading each trip can become ~70 extra hours a year and sparks good conversations.
Audiobooks also keep brains engaged without screens.
Helpful car-study add-ons (Amazon):
- Kindle for light, glare-free reading: Buy Now
- Clip-on book light: Buy Now
- Lap desk for writing in the back seat: Buy Now
- Audible trial (audiobooks): Join Today
Zearn Math (our pick for new concepts)
Why we like it: Excellent “teach + practice” flow with video-led instruction and printable problem sets.
We set the grade level, preview lessons on the weekend, and print in batches.
Pro tip: Zearn shines with paper worksheets—keep a low-cost laser printer nearby.
Cost: Free — https://www.zearn.org/
ReadTheory (adaptive comprehension)
Why we like it: Unlimited leveled passages that adapt up or down based on performance. Kids learn to scan, infer, and explain—skills that transfer to every subject.
Routine: One passage on school days; two on long car rides.
Cost: Free — https://readtheory.org
Khan Academy (broad K-12 mastery)
Why we like it: Bite-size videos plus mastery checks in math, grammar, science, and more. We assign short, daily targets (10–15 minutes) and “stack” wins over time.
Noise-free focus:
- Noise-canceling headphones: Recommended Headphones
Cost: Free — http://www.khanacademy.org/
Free Reading Program (3,500+ activities)
Why we like it: Structured reading, language, grammar, and spelling all in one place. Great for independent work blocks while you prep dinner.
Cost: Free — https://www.freereadingprogram.com/
IXL (drill for accuracy and speed)
Why we like it: A clean, searchable skills bank for every grade and topic. After Zearn or Khan teaches the concept, IXL drills it to automaticity.
Set boundaries: We cap time (10–20 mins) and stop when accuracy dips.
Cost: ~$100–$200/yr — https://www.ixl.com/
XtraMath (math facts under 3 seconds)
Why we like it: Fast-twitch recall matters on timed tests. XtraMath builds instant addition/subtraction/multiplication/division.
Parent hack: Sit nearby and encourage pace—confidence grows fast.
Cost: Free — https://xtramath.org/
Code.org (creative problem-solving)
Why we like it: Early exposure to logic and perseverance. When kids hit a wall, they learn to debug, not give up.
Starter kit:
- Simple coding notebook + pens: Recommendations
Cost: Free — https://code.org/
The High-Performer Toolkit (nice-to-have, not must-have)
- Academic planner (weekly view for school + training): Recommended Planners
- Dry-erase weekly wall calendar (family overview): Recommended Calendars
- Index cards for active recall: Recommended Calendars
Blue-light-filter glasses for night lessons: Recommendations - Durable backpack + water bottle: Recommended Backpacks | Recommended Water bottles
Our Simple “Student-Athlete Planner” System
Goal: Put school first, make progress visible, and protect recovery.
How we fill it each Sunday (5 minutes):
- List this week’s quizzes/assignments by day.
- Block 10–20 minute study sprints before practice (car counts).
- Add two “catch-up” windows (Thu/Sun) for overflow.
- Write one “win of the week” box that the child completes on Friday.
Prefer paper? Grab an academic planner here: Recommended Planners
Prefer wall-mounted? Use a dry-erase weekly board: Recommended Calendars
Why this works for high-performing athletes
Short, frequent sessions beat long, inconsistent cram sessions—especially around travel and training. We protect sleep, keep sessions under 20 minutes, and celebrate consistency over perfection.
When school and sport both have a plan, stress drops and performance climbs.
One more thing…
If you haven’t yet, check out Anytime Soccer Training—over 5,000+ step-by-step videos designed exactly the way kids learn best: short, clear, and consistent.
It’s the same philosophy we use for academics.
