Coaching Begins at Home
The Role of Parents in Soccer
Playing sports is physically and socially suitable for children. Fitness goals, social skills, and learning what it means to be part of a team - are just a few of the benefits of starting sports at a young age. Of course, parents of youth sports athletes know this first-hand already. But these parents may not know just how vital their role is in their young athlete's development.
As their primary mentors, parents play an essential role in developing their kid's athletic abilities. In addition, parental influence can affect a kid's health, life skill development, and ability to cope with winning and losing.
Being a successful parent involves a bit of amateur psychology. After all, you must lead a complex individual through the turmoil of childhood and adolescence and hope they come out alright on the other end. However, there are several strategies parents can use to help their kids succeed in youth sports. In addition, parents' involvement can make a critical difference in your child's future.
Supporting Your Child Through Soccer
Parents of youth sports athletes should constantly strive to create an environment where their kids can succeed, including:
- Visibly supporting your kids and their coach.
- Empowering yourself by learning about soccer.
- Watching and listening to soccer practices and games.
- Providing helpful feedback after practices and games.
Parents must constantly work to be positive role models in their kids' activities.
Remember, your kids watch everything you do. That means they see your reaction to life and will inevitably model their behavior around yours. Therefore, creating a positive family culture regarding sports participation is vitally important. Likewise, the way you behave will influence their behavior on the field.
Begin this positive influencing right from the start of the season. Discuss your family's core values and remind your kids what is essential in life. These values should reflect how they behave in sporting activities. Work on managing your expectations to avoid putting too much pressure on them. Remember, as parents of youth sports athletes, your primary role is to encourage happiness and confidence in your kids. You are not them, and your goal is to ensure they succeed. This approach will translate into passionate kids with a healthy mindset.
What Parents of Youth Soccer Players Shouldn't Do
Again, as parents of youth sports athletes, you must remember that this is your kids' time to shine. Trying to relive your glory days on the field will inevitably lead to frustration for your kids. As a parent, you need to accept your kid's sporting abilities and not place unrealistic expectations on them.
Every opportunity in life provides a learning moment. As parents, you should find the learning moment in the disappointments and losses as well as the wins. Upsets happen in life and sports. When they do, don't fish for excuses like inadequate equipment or a poorly performing coach or referee. Instead, find the learning moment to ensure positive growth for your kids.
Watch for red flags in your and your kid's behavior, such as:
- Your kid avoiding you at the end of a game
- Your kid is more focused on you in the stands than on the game
- Catching yourself taking credit for their sporting abilities
- Being verbally critical of referees
- Complaining about coaches or other volunteers
As the parent of a youth sports athlete, you occupy an essential role in their life. You guide your kids in responding to conflict situations, bouncing back from disappointments, and responding to constructive development. In addition, your actions will determine how your kids interact with their coaches, teammates, and referees. While they have a coach to guide their development on the field, you are their coach off the field, and your coaching strategies are just as important.