Ten Tips for Soccer Parents

By Liam Power, President Power Soccer
Published in Durham This Week, July 2004


Your child should be playing, not sitting on the bench, regardless of the level they participate in. Coaches who pick players should play them.

Avoid placing your child with youth coaches whose main objective is to win games above all else. Youth soccer is not professional soccer.

Up to the age of 15/16, players need to develop their skills, body strength and experience. They need to play and gain experience doing so. At ages 15-16, young adults have a better understanding, appreciation and desire to win. Up to that point they need to have had the opportunity to develop.

Soccer should build self esteem in your child, not the opposite

Listen to the coach, is she praising in public and doing the critique in private?

If you cannot say something positive to your child after the game, then say nothing.

Soccer is more than learning technical skills, it is about life skills: team building, communication, participation, discipline and commitment. Look for coaches who see the whole picture. Ask coaches about their philosophy but remember than actions speak louder than words.

Don’t criticize the coach, offer to help. Communicate your positive comments or concerns with him or her. She/he is likely a volunteer.

Be realistic about your child’s’ ability. Do not push your child into a level that is too advanced for her.

Encourage your son or daughter to stay in soccer. The social, physical and emotional benefits are life lasing. Soccer is a great game!