Coaches & Parents: Supporting Player Development and Enjoyment

At Strikers, we believe soccer should be a fun, enriching experience for young players. Both coaches and parents play vital roles in fostering a love for the game while helping children grow in their skills and confidence.

Guidelines for Coaches

Young players should focus on enjoyment and skill development, free from the burden of complex tactics. However, a skilled coach can subtly encourage key principles, such as:

• Playing with their head up to make smarter decisions.
• Going forward when possible, either by dribbling or passing.
• Taking realistic shots on goal whenever opportunities arise.
• Creating space by losing defenders with quick changes in speed and direction.
• Avoiding clumsy tackles and playing with control.

Guidelines for Parents

Small-sided games reflect the spirit of traditional street soccer—competitive, experimental, and driven by pure love for the game. While cups and medals can be motivating, they often place unnecessary pressure on young players. It’s essential to prioritize the joy of participation over results.

Parents SHOULD:

• Provide positive feedback to encourage effort and improvement.
• Be patient with players as they develop.
• Support fair and evenly matched games to enhance the experience for all players.
• Emphasize good behavior and sportsmanship.
• Celebrate good play from both teams.

Parents MUST NOT:

• Shout abuse at players, coaches, or referees.
• Focus solely on winning and results.
• Use technical terms that might confuse or overwhelm young players.

Together, coaches and parents can create an environment where children play soccer for the love of the game, growing both as athletes and individuals. Let’s make every match a positive experience!