Parents of youth footballers always have the best intentions regarding supporting and being involved in their child’s journey. But despite their best efforts, young athletes can often find parental involvement pushy or overwhelming. Luckily, Cort Dennison Football Coach explains that there are ways to overcome this often relationship-sullying occurrence. And, surprisingly to some, stepping back isn’t the answer.
Research shows that the trick is to not become over-involved. Instead, parents should follow the expert-given tips below and provide tangible/emotional support along their child’s athletic adventure.
Show Positivity from the Sidelines
Even when things aren’t going well, parents should offer praise and positivity from the sidelines to their child. Acting in a similar manner to the entire team is also beneficial in showing support, helping players push harder on the field.
Composure is key, regardless of how invested parents are. It helps players (their child included) to remain focused on the game and not succumb to embarrassment. While sometimes tempting, constantly shouting instructions from the sidelines isn’t the way to show encouragement. Being calm and instructive is the way to go.
In a similar vein, parents should refrain from getting heated and having “stern” words with other parents or coaches from the opposition. This doesn’t only distract the players, but it also doesn’t set a good example.
Always Listen to Young Athletes
Reflecting on previous games and practices is a major aspect of parents supporting children during their youth football career. Parents should have input during the reflection as they see games from a wholly different perspective.
That said, it’s imperative for children to lead the reflection, discussing what they believe went well and their potential improvement areas. The Coaching Manual offers exceptional advice on the dos and don’ts of helping young athletes reflect.
Encourage At-Home Practice
Football necessitates a lot of commitment and time from both players, and family. So much so that it’s easy for children to drop out after the initial excitement wears away. Parents of football athletes should try to keep the excitement high for as long as possible by encouraging the sport at home.
Of course, this doesn’t mean tossing a football around the house and knocking over lamps. Rather, it’s about the small things — having a pass in the yard, watching professional teams on TV together, and simply chatting about football over dinner. Anything that shows children their parents are interested in their sport works wonders.
Reduce the Emphasis on Winning
When children are relatively new to the sport and have only ever seen professional games, it’s unsurprising when their sole focus is on winning. However, this mentality can quickly damage young players who put far too much pressure on themselves during games.
With that in mind, parents of young athletes should try to shift their focus to having fun and enhancing their skills. Pressure won’t do them any favors.
Offer Essentials
Encouragement and support are cost-free methods of becoming the best parent a young athlete can have. But the sport’s nature requires some effort and monetary investment. To ensure children can become properly involved, parents need to commit to taking them to games and practices, alongside purchasing any equipment they need.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, being a supportive parent in youth football involves finding a balanced approach. It’s not about stepping back entirely, but rather avoiding over-involvement. Encouraging positivity from the sidelines, actively listening to young athletes, and promoting at-home practice are all valuable ways to support a child’s athletic journey.
Additionally, reducing the emphasis on winning and providing essential resources, both in terms of time and equipment, are crucial aspects of being a supportive parent in youth sports. By following these guidelines, parents can contribute positively to their child’s football experience.