Uniroyal Tire Win A Free Soccer Season Sweepstakes Soccer Tips
- Let your children establish their own goals and play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals upon them.
- Don't place too heavy a burden on your child to win games.
- Remember that your children are learning, which means they make mistakes. It is important to praise instead of criticize.
- Keep your attitude, as well as those around you, positive. Remember that a ticket to a sporting event is not a license to verbally assault others - including officials, coaches, players from the opposing team and parents of the opposing team.
- Learn the rules, since youth guidelines vary. When you show up for games, pay attention and avoid chatting with other parents on the sidelines so you can offer your child positive feedback.
- Treat your opponent and officials with respect. Treat them the way you want to be treated.
- Accept the judgment calls of the game officials and respect their jobs. They are doing their best to support the youth of your community.
- Encourage your child's teammates if he or she makes a mistake, don't criticize!
- Applaud good play no matter who makes it. Focusing solely on your child sends the message that you're more interested in grooming the next great soccer star than encouraging team effort.
- Mix things up and be realistic about your child's talent. Elite athletes are few and far between and the chances your child will go pro in his or her sport is miniscule. While your child may be talented, it's important to realize that he or she will most likely go on to do something else wonderful with his or her life. Specializing between one or two sports all year can cause burnout. Nurture a well-rounded child by supporting his or her interests in several extracurricular activities whether it's a different sport or another activity.
Source: American Youth Soccer Organization
