Kids soccer should always be about the kids

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Soccer has become a mass phenomenon. It’s not surprising to see kids as young as five years old participating in the game. When young kids play soccer its always about fun and meeting new friends. So what changes, as they grow older?

To be honest, the kids don’t change at all. They may be a little older but they still play soccer because it’s fun. Then you might ask why do so many youth players quit the game before they become teenagers?

With every new season come new pressures and difficulties. Pressure stems from parents, the coaches and to some extent teammates. Children are showered with abuse in the form of howling and screaming. Whether you’re the coach or the parent, no child should be subjected to this kind of torment.

Parents and coaches need to understand that yelling instructions does not improve their performance but only aids in depleting their confidence and love for the game. A player can never improve or develop away from the game. The player needs to attend all soccer training sessions and needs to enjoy the game. Simply yelling at players is a great way to add to the ever-growing statistic of kids quitting soccer.

Yelling and shouting should be replaced with praise. Instead of yelling instructions and trying to coach every move, try cheering and encouragement. Children that receive praise and encouragement are more likely to repeat the desired actions again and again. I’ve never met anyone that puts in a greater effort under a cloud of criticism than under a cloud of praise. Have you? Then why do most coaches and parents expect a different a result.

Another great way to reduce certain pressures in youth soccer is to create a supportive team. Coaches and parents should develop a team with Great Spirit. A team that is full of players that encourage and support each other whether they win or they lose.

The coach should aim to build a team, not individual players. A team that works together and supports each other will always beat teams with a few stars that try and steal the spotlight.

Tagged with: Aids • Confidence • Encouragement • Extent • Great Spirit • Kids Soccer • Love Game • Mass Phenomenon • Meeting New Friends • Sessions • Soccer Training • Statistic • Stems • Supportive Team • Team Coaches • Teammates • Teenagers • Torment • Young Kids • Youth Soccer

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