Parent Tips: Help Your Child Succeed in Soccer

Success in youth soccer depends on several key factors: natural talent, a strong work ethic, and supportive parents. But sometimes it can be tricky to balance emotional support with getting too involved in the child's training. A parent may think he or she is doing what's best for the child, but can sometimes inadvertently put unnecessary pressure on the young athlete. Here are some tips for how parents can help develop their soccer players:

• Teach your soccer player to live the game. Encourage children to practice on their own, to talk soccer, read about it and watch games.
• Understand that soccer should be a life-long activity. Set a goal for your kids that will encourage them to play throughout their lifetime.
• Practice with them. Kids get excited about soccer when their parents play with them. Soon you will learn how hard this game can be.
• Learn the game yourself. Read books, magazines, watch games on TV.
• Allow time for other activities. Limit the number of organized games your child plays each year, but do not limit the number of unorganized pickup games.
• Make sure your kids are in a good developmental program that develops them for the long term and higher levels of play.
• Be positive, but don't accept poor standards or behavior. Be on time for practices and games, show respect to the coaches and referees.
• Don't emphasize winning. Nothing burns kids out faster than when the pure joy of participation is taken away from them.
• Make sure kids are playing to make themselves happy and not to please their parents. Kids usually react better in situations when they feel they have control and choices.