Ever found yourself wondering what sets successful soccer parents apart? Picture this: a vibrant soccer field, cheering parents, and a community filled with positive energy. But what truly makes these parents stand out?
From shaping their child’s development to fostering a positive soccer community, there are secrets that make them remarkably successful. Learn the hidden strategies, and discover how you, too, can become a game-changing soccer parent.
Being a soccer parent is more than just cheering from the sidelines; it’s about creating a legacy of success, both on and off the field. To enhance your soccer parenting, follow these SUCCESSFUL PARENTS:
Prioritize:
- Emphasize that the love for the sport is what matters most, making every game an enjoyable experience.
- Remind their child that their support is constant, emphasizing the experience over results.
- Celebrate their effort and enjoyment, regardless of the score.
Balance Soccer and Life:
- Monitor the schedule to find a balance between soccer, family, and school to prevent burnout and fatigue.
Are Supportive:
- Maintain a positive approach and avoid focusing on or pointing out mistakes. no matter the game results.
The Night Before the Game:
- Keep things as normal as possible, including food and conversation.
- Check soccer gear the night before to avoid rushing in the morning.
- Make sure they get a good night’s sleep.
Game Day:
- Stick to their usual routine.
- Provide a meal with carbs three hours before the game.
- Encourage drinking water before, during, and after the game.
Conversations:
- Keep conversations positive, encourage effort, teamwork, and having fun.
At the Field:
- Arrive early, so there’s no rush.
- Are respectful to everyone – coaches, players, parents, and officials.
- FORBIT, climbing on, or playing with the goal.
During the Game, They Become Spectators
- Stay in the designated spectator section
- Use appropriate language
- Cheer team effort positively
- Let the Coach Do The Coaching
- Exemplify good sportsmanship
- Avoid calling the players by name
- Make positive comments to all players
- Never criticize a referee’s decision – Learn the Laws
- Consider not attending games when emotions run high.
- Do not bring alcoholic beverages or smoke on the sideline
- Realize that to raise a good sport, They need to be a good sport
After the Game:
- Help clean up and attend team activities, win or lose.
- Show respect to everyone, win or lose.
- Tell their child they loved watching them play, win or lose.
Ride Home:
- Encourage their child to start the conversation.
- Not in the mood to talk about the game. That’s okay. Respect their feelings.
- If they want to discuss it, focus on the positive aspects, praising effort, good plays, and sportsmanship.
- Avoid dwelling on mistakes or the score.
Back Home:
- Continue the positive talk about the game, but let your child guide the conversation.
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts.
- Praise their effort and teamwork.
- Share their pride in the performance.
- Reinforce the importance of enjoying the game and having fun.
Special Notes:
In the World of Soccer Parenting, success goes beyond winning—it’s about creating lasting memories and nurturing a lifelong love for soccer. Celebrate every effort, treasure each game, and be the positive influence that fuels their passion for a lifetime.
If you have any questions, thoughts, or stories to share, please reach out. Your experiences will enrich the SUCCESSFUL SOCCER PARENTS community.
I also encourage you to read and promote the FUNdamental SOCCER “Bill of Rights” within your local soccer community.
