At Foothills, we believe that the support and involvement of parents and guardians play a crucial role in a child’s soccer journey. No one has a greater ability to influence your child’s development, enjoyment, and overall experience.

Here are some guidelines to help you be a great soccer parent.

Provide Positive Support.

• Encourage and support your child with positivity, whether they win or lose. Celebrate their efforts, hard work, and dedication.
• Avoid putting excessive pressure on your child to perform and focus on the enjoyment and growth that soccer brings.

Attend Matches and Practices.

• Attend your child’s matches and practices whenever possible. Your presence demonstrates your interest in their activities and provides valuable encouragement.
• Use these opportunities to observe, support, and enjoy the experience with your child.

Respect Coaches.

• Respect the coaching staff, recognizing their expertise and commitment to player development.
• If you have concerns or questions, communicate with the coaches in a respectful and constructive manner, seeking a collaborative approach to your child’s improvement.

Demonstrate Positive Sideline Behaviour.

• Model positive behaviour on the sidelines. Encourage good sportsmanship, and avoid negative comments or criticism towards players, coaches, or officials.
• Create a supportive and uplifting environment for all players, including those on the opposing team.

Support Balance and Well-being.

• Encourage a healthy balance between soccer and other aspects of your child’s life, including academics, family time, and recreation.
• Be mindful of your child’s overall well-being, ensuring they are not overwhelmed by soccer-related commitments.

Communicate.

• Establish open communication with your child about their soccer experience. Listen to their thoughts, concerns, and aspirations.
• Stay informed about the club’s communications, schedules, and any relevant updates to ensure a seamless experience.

Volunteer.

• Consider volunteering your time to support club activities, events, or initiatives. Your involvement fosters a sense of community and helps create a positive soccer environment.
• Volunteer opportunities can range from assisting during games to contributing to club events or fundraisers.

Learn the Game.

• Develop a basic understanding of soccer rules and strategies. This knowledge allows you to engage more meaningfully with your child about the game.
• Attend informational sessions or workshops provided by the club to enhance your soccer knowledge.

Celebrate Effort and Progress.

• Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s effort, progress, and achievements, both on and off the field.
• Recognize that growth and development occur at different rates for each player, and emphasize the importance of the learning process.

Foster Independence.

• Encourage your child’s independence in managing their soccer equipment, communicating with coaches, and taking responsibility for their soccer journey.
• Allow them to navigate challenges and experiences, fostering resilience and self-reliance.

Don’t underestimate the power of a parent, guardian as well as other family members and friends in creating a positive and supportive soccer environment. Your reinforcement of these positive actions will contribute to the overall success and enjoyment of your child’s soccer experience.