Role Models for Life

Parents: What can parents do to make the game of soccer more enjoyable for their children…and other kids too.

- Be supportive; ie. Be sure the player attends practices; drop her off on time.

- Attend games

- Be knowledgeable of the game.

- Encourage fair play at home.

- Only coaches are to give instructions to players (i.e. on when to shoot or pass etc.). No matter how knowledgeable you are about the game, whether you are right or not keep it to yourself.

- Encourage communication between coach and parent (never prior to, during, or directly after game or practices).

- Acknowledge your child's accomplishments without BOASTING her performance. Do not compare children’s ability. Find something positive to say to your child’s teammates.

- Be positive or quiet at games.

- Be respectful; expect your own children to be respectful.

- Focus on good nutrition.

- Volunteer to help the coach.

- Be calm and have good manners.

- Support the coach's and referee's decisions (negative comments about teammates, team or coach will affect your child's performance).

- Set a good example, never yell at the referee.

- Ask you own children to describe her role, what new skills have been learned.

- Watch practices, focus on new strategies. Lend young players support in a positive manner. Do not point out mistakes, leave that up to the coach, but dwell on their accomplishments as well as their efforts.

- Be a good listener. Make them feel important and let them know that they are contributing to a team effort (each child brings something different to form the team).

- Let your child know that improvement comes from practice. Your child will see the benefits (individual and team) of her practice and the need and the desire for practice will be reinforced.

- Find soccer videos, watch them with children. Watch soccer games.

- Concentrate on praising other people's children during games.

- Stay positive -- Cheer!! Don't yell. Don't criticize (children hear everything), it’s not good for the Spirit.

- Read newspaper articles about older soccer player's successes; provide role model for your own children.