As parents, we all want our kids to succeed in soccer and reach their full potential. But sometimes, our well-intentioned actions can actually hinder their progress.
So, if you’re gearing up for the soccer season, read the full article for important tips to keep in mind.
New here? I’m Buford — soccer dad, 17 years on the sideline, founder of The Soccer Parent Coach. If something in this post hit close to home, take the free 2-minute quiz. It’ll tell you which of six soccer-parent situations you’re in right now, and point you to the one thing that actually helps.
When I first started training my sons in soccer, I knew that I wanted to give them more control over their training. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I had this feeling that it was important for them to take ownership of their own development. Soon I realized the importance of providing my children with…
Learn more about the game of soccer much earlier in his playing days Put much more thought into the proper playing environment for him Not stress over him getting to the “next level” rather than helping him be the best he could be at the level he was currently playing at Played more 1v1 soccer…
You’re sitting in the car after the game. Your kid is quiet. You’re quiet. And in your head, you’re running through everything that just happened on that field: the playing time, the position change, the interaction with the coach before warmups. You’re piecing it all together, trying to figure out what it means and what…
A picture popped up in my timeline as a reminder of where we started. The journey of a sports parent begins with a simple sign-up sheet, a call from a coach, a first team, a first practice and a nervous excitement; your child’s excitement and your excitement. This is all new to them, and to…
When this is over, what do you want to have built? Not the trophy. Not the scholarship. Not the college program. What do you want your family to look like on the other side of this experience? Competitive youth soccer is building something in every family right now. The visible costs — time, money —…
But I didn’t grow up playing soccer? This has got to be one of the most common reasons parents give for not helping their child get extra touches at home. My name is Neil Crawford and I am the founder of Anytime Soccer Training. Like so many, I also didn’t grow up playing soccer. As…
