Champions for Champions for ChildrenChildren
A Guide for Parents of A Guide for Parents of
Youth Soccer Players U6-U12Youth Soccer Players U6-U12
““What is true of all soccer superstars I What is true of all soccer superstars I know is that these were their dreams, know is that these were their dreams,
not their parents’ dreams.”not their parents’ dreams.”
““In my experience, the best soccer In my experience, the best soccer parents more or less let their children parents more or less let their children
do their own thing.”do their own thing.”
- Anson Dorrance- Anson Dorrance
The PlayersThe Players
Characteristics of players U6-Characteristics of players U6-U12U12
Why do children play the Why do children play the game of soccer in the game of soccer in the
first place?first place?
To learn new skills, have fun, learn “sporting
behavior,” be with friends, and to simply run, jump
and play.
COMMON COMMON MOTIVATIONALMOTIVATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR CHARACTERISTICS FOR
PLAYERS U7-U11PLAYERS U7-U11
The English Football Association The English Football Association (FA)(FA)
7-9 Year Olds7-9 Year Olds
Try things on their own Prefer developing and mastering things in
their own way Easily bored No discipline for repetitive tasks Will move on to something else if bored or
frustrated Tire quickly Easily distracted Cannot recognize the difference between
effort and ability
9-11 Year Olds9-11 Year Olds Form friendships Measure themselves with their peers Like playing with similar people Competitive spirit increases Compete with peers Concerned with “being better” Begin to turn more and more to the coach
for help Realize the coach can help Coach should match players in groups
with similar abilities
COMMON COMMON PLAYERPLAYER CHARACTERISTICS CHARACTERISTICS
U6-U12U6-U12
U-6 CharacteristicsU-6 Characteristics Differences between boys and girls are minimalDifferences between boys and girls are minimal Wide variety of coordination from player to Wide variety of coordination from player to
playerplayer Love to run and jumpLove to run and jump Very little comprehension of time, space Very little comprehension of time, space
relations, and boundariesrelations, and boundaries Will naturally swarm around the ball in a “human Will naturally swarm around the ball in a “human
beehive”beehive” Self-centered and want to keep the ball to Self-centered and want to keep the ball to
themselves (me, my, mine)themselves (me, my, mine) Attention span is very shortAttention span is very short No sense of pace (go flat out)No sense of pace (go flat out) Very simple and easily understood rules are Very simple and easily understood rules are
requiredrequired Coach must keep things FUN and briefCoach must keep things FUN and brief
U-8 CharacteristicsU-8 Characteristics Immature physical abilities remain obviousImmature physical abilities remain obvious Limited ability to handle more than one chore Limited ability to handle more than one chore
at a timeat a time Concepts of time and spatial relationships are Concepts of time and spatial relationships are
only starting to developonly starting to develop Great yearning for approval from authority Great yearning for approval from authority
figures (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.)figures (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.) Feelings are very easily “bruised”Feelings are very easily “bruised” Physical coordination begins developing (riding Physical coordination begins developing (riding
a bike)a bike) Still love running, jumping, climbing, and Still love running, jumping, climbing, and
rollingrolling Team identity develops in basic ways (wearing Team identity develops in basic ways (wearing
jersey to bed or even days at a time)jersey to bed or even days at a time) Still lack sense of pace (go flat out)Still lack sense of pace (go flat out)
U-10 CharacteristicsU-10 Characteristics The “Golden Age of Learning”The “Golden Age of Learning” Vital time in their livesVital time in their lives Boys and girls begin to develop separatelyBoys and girls begin to develop separately Grouping of players by physical maturity/ability Grouping of players by physical maturity/ability
level becomes more of a considerationlevel becomes more of a consideration Athletically superior players will dominate playAthletically superior players will dominate play Ability to concentrate increases and Ability to concentrate increases and
coordination emergescoordination emerges Competitiveness emergesCompetitiveness emerges Peer pressure begins to become a factor (not Peer pressure begins to become a factor (not
be embarrassed in front of friends)be embarrassed in front of friends) Self-responsibility can be introduced (bringing Self-responsibility can be introduced (bringing
a ball, water, etc.)a ball, water, etc.) Players must start making decisions on their Players must start making decisions on their
ownown
U-12 CharacteristicsU-12 Characteristics
Puberty brings psychological and Puberty brings psychological and physical changesphysical changes
Popularity correlates to self-esteemPopularity correlates to self-esteem Begin to recognize the opposite sexBegin to recognize the opposite sex Differences in skill level, size, speed, Differences in skill level, size, speed,
and strength are significantand strength are significant Players must begin to think Players must begin to think
abstractly/tactically on the field abstractly/tactically on the field (Socratic Method of Teaching)(Socratic Method of Teaching)
GENERAL GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHARACTERISTICS OF NOVICENOVICE PLAYERS IN PLAYERS IN TRAINING/ MATCHESTRAINING/ MATCHES
UncoordinatedUncoordinated Break down under pressureBreak down under pressure Narrow focusNarrow focus Reliant on conscious decisionsReliant on conscious decisions No body controlNo body control Jerky/jarring appearanceJerky/jarring appearance
GENERAL GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPERTEXPERT PLAYERS IN PLAYERS IN TRAINING/MATCHESTRAINING/MATCHES
CoordinatedCoordinated Perform under pressurePerform under pressure Broad focus on the gameBroad focus on the game Instinctive playInstinctive play Smooth/fluid appearanceSmooth/fluid appearance Use of the appropriate foot/ part of footUse of the appropriate foot/ part of foot Control of weight and direction of passControl of weight and direction of pass Good timing of the passGood timing of the pass Excellent decision-making (tactical ability)Excellent decision-making (tactical ability)
Sample Player Expectations Sample Player Expectations
for Soccerfor Soccer Bring all equipment (inflated soccer ball, Bring all equipment (inflated soccer ball,
water, warm-up, etc.).water, warm-up, etc.). ““Flip the switch” at training sessions and Flip the switch” at training sessions and
games (focus and concentrate on soccer).games (focus and concentrate on soccer). Have a positive attitude and be willing try Have a positive attitude and be willing try
new things.new things. Work hard and have fun.Work hard and have fun. Do your soccer homework (practice skills Do your soccer homework (practice skills
on off days).on off days). Keep a soccer journal (optional).Keep a soccer journal (optional).
A Sample Club/Team A Sample Club/Team PhilosophyPhilosophy
A competitive environment at the youth A competitive environment at the youth level encourages decisions from player level encourages decisions from player and coach alike that focus on player and coach alike that focus on player development rather than winning development rather than winning (favoring ball skill and creativity as the (favoring ball skill and creativity as the means to find success within the rules and means to find success within the rules and spirit of the game). We will not have a spirit of the game). We will not have a “win at all costs” mentality. Our primary “win at all costs” mentality. Our primary concerns are the development, welfare, concerns are the development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of our players.enjoyment and safety of our players.
The ParentsThe Parents
What we can do to guide our What we can do to guide our children toward enjoyment in children toward enjoyment in
the gamethe game
Sample Sample ParentParent ExpectationsExpectations
Make every effort to arrive on time for all Make every effort to arrive on time for all events (events (early is always betterearly is always better).).
Be positive and supportive of your athlete, Be positive and supportive of your athlete, teammates, coaches and parents (the soccer teammates, coaches and parents (the soccer family).family).
Do not measure your athlete’s development Do not measure your athlete’s development against others’ on the team. All athletes will against others’ on the team. All athletes will develop in different ways; some will develop develop in different ways; some will develop quicker than others.quicker than others.
Show respect for all involved in the game of Show respect for all involved in the game of soccer including: players, coaches, opponents, soccer including: players, coaches, opponents, opposing fans and especially referees.opposing fans and especially referees.
Do not confuse your athlete by trying to coach Do not confuse your athlete by trying to coach them on or off the field.them on or off the field.
During games, limit comments to encouraging During games, limit comments to encouraging all players on the field.all players on the field.
ParentParent Expectations Expectations
In order to properly reach In order to properly reach developmental goals, there must be developmental goals, there must be a serious level of commitment from a serious level of commitment from parents.parents.
Please approach the coach Please approach the coach afterafter training sessions if you would like to training sessions if you would like to speak about your athlete or anything speak about your athlete or anything having to do with the team or club. having to do with the team or club.
Before the Before the match/trainingmatch/training
Tell your child three things prior to the Tell your child three things prior to the match or training sessionmatch or training session : Play Hard… : Play Hard… Have Fun… I Love You.Have Fun… I Love You.
Make a few positive support comments such Make a few positive support comments such as: “I can’t wait to watch your game today,” as: “I can’t wait to watch your game today,” or “Have some fun out there!”or “Have some fun out there!”
Allow the child to “do their own thing” Allow the child to “do their own thing” before the match or training during the ride before the match or training during the ride (within reason). Examples: listening to (within reason). Examples: listening to music, playing videogames, initiating music, playing videogames, initiating conversations with others, simply being conversations with others, simply being quiet and focused.quiet and focused.
Promote and support proper nutrition Promote and support proper nutrition before and after athletic contests. This is before and after athletic contests. This is something you CAN control!something you CAN control!
Pre-Match/Training Pre-Match/Training NutritionNutrition
Fueling the Young AthleteFueling the Young Athlete
CarbohydratesCarbohydrates: carbs provide the : carbs provide the primary fuel for exercising muscles. It is primary fuel for exercising muscles. It is essential that young athletes consume essential that young athletes consume lots of complex carbohydrates (i.e. whole lots of complex carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) on a daily grains, fruits, and vegetables) on a daily basis. In addition, it is important to basis. In addition, it is important to ensure that young athletes get the proper ensure that young athletes get the proper amount of carbohydrates before, during, amount of carbohydrates before, during, and after exercise to support optimal and after exercise to support optimal health and performance.health and performance.
Pre-Match/Training Pre-Match/Training NutritionNutrition
Make sure young athlete arrives to Make sure young athlete arrives to matches/training well-fed. They should eat a matches/training well-fed. They should eat a well-balanced meal that contains 75-200 well-balanced meal that contains 75-200 grams of carbs, 2-4 hours before the training grams of carbs, 2-4 hours before the training session or match. session or match. This can be very difficult, This can be very difficult, especially before trainingespecially before training. So…. So…
A snack 30 minutes prior to exercise may also A snack 30 minutes prior to exercise may also be beneficial, particularly if an athlete was be beneficial, particularly if an athlete was unable to consume an appropriate meal 2-4 unable to consume an appropriate meal 2-4 hours prior.hours prior.
The snack should contain approx. 20-50 The snack should contain approx. 20-50 grams of easily digested carbs.grams of easily digested carbs.
During the Match (sideline During the Match (sideline behavior)behavior)
During the Match (sideline During the Match (sideline behavior)behavior)
Understand that players are over-Understand that players are over-stimulated during matches. The coach may stimulated during matches. The coach may be giving instructions, opponents and be giving instructions, opponents and teammates are talking, the crowd is teammates are talking, the crowd is cheering, and the referee is blowing the cheering, and the referee is blowing the whistle and speaking to the players. To a whistle and speaking to the players. To a youth soccer player, the atmosphere is youth soccer player, the atmosphere is much like that of a fighter pilot with enemy much like that of a fighter pilot with enemy bogies zipping around. bogies zipping around.
*Adapted from the AYSO Tools for Parents**Adapted from the AYSO Tools for Parents*
During the Match (sideline During the Match (sideline behavior)behavior)
#1 Priority=#1 Priority=
Set a Good Example of Sportsmanship at all Set a Good Example of Sportsmanship at all timestimes
Do not yell instructions to your child (or their Do not yell instructions to your child (or their teammates) during the match- it only adds to the teammates) during the match- it only adds to the confusion. In addition, this oftentimes contradicts confusion. In addition, this oftentimes contradicts what the coach has been training the players to do.what the coach has been training the players to do.
Sometimes the best thing parents can do is to be Sometimes the best thing parents can do is to be quiet or have a chat with another parent while quiet or have a chat with another parent while watching.watching.
Cheer and acknowledge good plays by both teams.Cheer and acknowledge good plays by both teams. Sit a reasonable distance away from the field, Sit a reasonable distance away from the field,
players and coaches.players and coaches.
Remember…Remember…
When watching a youth soccer When watching a youth soccer game, if you can't carry on a game, if you can't carry on a normal conversation with the normal conversation with the person next to you, then you're person next to you, then you're probably paying too much probably paying too much attention to the game. attention to the game.
After the match/trainingAfter the match/training Three things to say to your athlete Three things to say to your athlete
after match or trainingafter match or training: You : You Played Hard…Are You Hungry?...I Played Hard…Are You Hungry?...I Love You.Love You.
Congratulate your child and their Congratulate your child and their teammates regardless of the outcome.teammates regardless of the outcome.
Do not analyze the game or your Do not analyze the game or your child’s performance.child’s performance.
No “backyard training” following No “backyard training” following matches/training.matches/training.
Make sure your child eats properly Make sure your child eats properly following the activity.following the activity.
Recovery Foods (following Recovery Foods (following activity)activity)A sample of healthy foods to help athletes A sample of healthy foods to help athletes
recover from exercise:recover from exercise: Sports drinks (Gatorade)Sports drinks (Gatorade) Granola, energy, or breakfast barsGranola, energy, or breakfast bars Bagels with peanut butterBagels with peanut butter Sub sandwichsSub sandwichs Crackers and cheeseCrackers and cheese BurritosBurritos Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, oranges, and Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, oranges, and
grapesgrapes Vegetables such as carrots and celeryVegetables such as carrots and celery Fruit smoothies Fruit smoothies Rice cakes or trail mixRice cakes or trail mix Chocolate milkChocolate milk Animal crackersAnimal crackers
Recovery Nutrition Quick Recovery Nutrition Quick TipsTips
Athletes who fail to refuel and/or Athletes who fail to refuel and/or rehydrate during and after activities will rehydrate during and after activities will not have the optimal level of energy to not have the optimal level of energy to play at the same intensity the next day.play at the same intensity the next day.
To help in the recovery process, athletes To help in the recovery process, athletes should eat a high-carbohydrate snack should eat a high-carbohydrate snack within 30 minutes after practice or within 30 minutes after practice or competition, and a healthy meal two competition, and a healthy meal two hours later.hours later.
Carbohydrates are the most efficient Carbohydrates are the most efficient source of energy for muscles, and they source of energy for muscles, and they should make up approximately 60% of an should make up approximately 60% of an athlete’s diet.athlete’s diet.
Recovery Nutrition Quick Recovery Nutrition Quick TipsTips
Sports drinks are an ideal way for athletes Sports drinks are an ideal way for athletes to rehydrate during and after exercise.to rehydrate during and after exercise.
Having parents provide snacks and sports Having parents provide snacks and sports drinks after the game is an excellent way drinks after the game is an excellent way to help athletes recover from exercise.to help athletes recover from exercise.
Stay away from soft packaged, boxed juice Stay away from soft packaged, boxed juice drinks and “snackie cakes.”drinks and “snackie cakes.”
www.gatorade.comwww.gatorade.com
Keep in mind theKeep in mind thevarious Pressures for various Pressures for
PlayersPlayers Society Parents Other Clubs Environment Coach’s Ego Human Nature Own Club
***Most all of these pressures focus on winning instead of learning and development!
Relieving those Relieving those PressuresPressures
Praise effort instead of results. Always be positive no matter what
the outcome. Following a match, ask the player
how they think they did. Allow them to reflect, if they choose to do so.
Look for positives in any situation and focus on them.
Pre-season Pre-season Preparation for Preparation for
Parents Parents
Sample Parent Sample Parent AgreementAgreement
Sample Parent AgreementSample Parent Agreement I agree to be on time or early when dropping off my child for a I agree to be on time or early when dropping off my child for a
training session or game. I understand that I am putting my training session or game. I understand that I am putting my child at physical risk by not providing proper time for warm-child at physical risk by not providing proper time for warm-up. I also understand the importance of picking up my child up. I also understand the importance of picking up my child on time for all training sessions and games. This ultimately on time for all training sessions and games. This ultimately shows respect for the coaches and entire team. shows respect for the coaches and entire team.
I understand the main reasons students participate in I understand the main reasons students participate in athletics are to have fun, make new friends, and learn new athletics are to have fun, make new friends, and learn new skills. I understand the game is for the students, and that I skills. I understand the game is for the students, and that I will encourage my child to have fun and keep the game in the will encourage my child to have fun and keep the game in the proper perspective. I understand that athletes do their best proper perspective. I understand that athletes do their best when they are emotionally healthy, so I will be positive and when they are emotionally healthy, so I will be positive and supportive at all times.supportive at all times.
I understand the team’s philosophy on player development I understand the team’s philosophy on player development versus results (winning). I also understand that athletes versus results (winning). I also understand that athletes develop in many different ways and that the true measure is develop in many different ways and that the true measure is not how my child compares to others but how he/she is not how my child compares to others but how he/she is developing as a person, student, and athlete.developing as a person, student, and athlete.
I understand the importance of setting a good example of I understand the importance of setting a good example of sportsmanship to my child. I will continually show respect for sportsmanship to my child. I will continually show respect for all involved in the game including: coaches, players, all involved in the game including: coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans, and especially referees. opponents, opposing fans, and especially referees.
I understand games can be exciting experiences for my I understand games can be exciting experiences for my child who is trying to deal with the action of the game, child who is trying to deal with the action of the game, respond to opponents, referees, teammates, and coaches. respond to opponents, referees, teammates, and coaches. I will not add confusion by yelling out instructions. During I will not add confusion by yelling out instructions. During the game, I will limit my comments to encouraging my the game, I will limit my comments to encouraging my child and other players for both teams.child and other players for both teams.
I will not make negative comments about the game, I will not make negative comments about the game, coaches, referees, or teammates in my child’s presence. I coaches, referees, or teammates in my child’s presence. I understand this can negatively influence my child’s understand this can negatively influence my child’s motivation and overall experience.motivation and overall experience.
I agree to honor the Parent Agreement in my words I agree to honor the Parent Agreement in my words and actions.and actions.
*Adapted from the AYSO Kids’ Zone Parent Pledge*Adapted from the AYSO Kids’ Zone Parent Pledge**
Parental InfluenceParental Influence
Negative InfluenceNegative Influence Too much emphasis on winningToo much emphasis on winning Shouting instructions during matchesShouting instructions during matches ““Marching” up and down the field during Marching” up and down the field during
matchesmatches Using abusive languageUsing abusive language Inappropriate behavior (standing on Inappropriate behavior (standing on
touchline, spitting, smoking, drinking)touchline, spitting, smoking, drinking) Making negative comments about Making negative comments about
opponents, teammates, coaches, and others opponents, teammates, coaches, and others in the presence of the player(s).in the presence of the player(s).
Kids Drop Out When…Kids Drop Out When…
They are forced to take partThey are forced to take part Pressured from coaches/parentsPressured from coaches/parents Made to feel incompetentMade to feel incompetent Bullied by peers and coachesBullied by peers and coaches Not enough playing timeNot enough playing time They have other interestsThey have other interests
Parents Should Focus Parents Should Focus on…on…
EnjoymentEnjoyment DevelopmentDevelopment Feedback (positive, not critical)Feedback (positive, not critical) Respect (for teammates, opponents, Respect (for teammates, opponents,
coaches, officials, etc.)coaches, officials, etc.) Realistic targets/goalsRealistic targets/goals NutritionNutrition
A Parent’s Most Important A Parent’s Most Important Job is to…Job is to…
LOVE THEIR CHILDRENLOVE THEIR CHILDREN
Recommended ReadingRecommended Reading
Will You Still Love Me If I Don’t Win? Will You Still Love Me If I Don’t Win? A Guide for Parents of Young AthletesA Guide for Parents of Young Athletes by Christopher and Barbara by Christopher and Barbara AndersonnAndersonn
The Vision of a ChampionThe Vision of a Champion by Anson by Anson DorranceDorrance
Just Let the Kids PlayJust Let the Kids Play by Bob Bigelow by Bob Bigelow Laws of the GameLaws of the Game**
Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources United States Youth Soccer Association- United States Youth Soccer Association-
www.usysa.orgwww.usysa.org Positive Coaching Alliance- Positive Coaching Alliance- www.positivecoach.orgwww.positivecoach.org The English Football Association- The English Football Association- Psychology for Psychology for
Football/Soccer Level IFootball/Soccer Level I (online course) (online course) www.thefa.com/falearningwww.thefa.com/falearning
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)- American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)- www.soccer.orgwww.soccer.org
Gatorade (heat, hydration, and nutrition) Gatorade (heat, hydration, and nutrition) www.gatorade.comwww.gatorade.com
www.ucomics.comwww.ucomics.com Indiana Youth Soccer AssociationIndiana Youth Soccer Association Kentucky Youth Soccer AssociationKentucky Youth Soccer Association
Special ThanksSpecial Thanks
Fran Kulas- Kentucky Youth Soccer Fran Kulas- Kentucky Youth Soccer AssociationAssociation
Vince Ganzberg- Indiana Youth Vince Ganzberg- Indiana Youth Soccer AssociationSoccer Association
Questions? Please Questions? Please contact…contact…
Rob HerringerRob Herringer
State Director of CoachingState Director of Coaching
913-782-6434913-782-6434
[email protected]@ksysa.org
www.ksysa.orgwww.ksysa.org
