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Parent Education

Successful soccer clubs have a culture of parent education. This includes:
 
- Standards
- Understanding of the Player Development Process
- Support and Encouragement
 
Northern Lights is committed to the development of these in all of our families and players futures families alike.

Role of the Parent

The support of the parents is a vital aspect of Northern Lights Soccer. Our players need to hear positive reinforcement throughout the course of the matches. A parent’s positive support can sometimes be the difference in the extra effort the players put forth in a match which could translate into a win.
 
On the flip side negative parent behavior towards our players, coaches, opponents and referees can lead to an adverse effect for our players. Let’s remember that these players are young, still very impressionable, and in the developmental stages of their soccer growth.
 
We would encourage that our focus not be so much on the end result being a win or loss, but that our players are showing signs of improvement through training and matches over the fall and spring seasons. Let’s allow the officials to officiate, the parents to lend positive support, the coaches to coach and most importantly the players to enjoy playing.

Parent Creed:

  • I recognize that I am an important role model for my child.
  • I understand that the game is for the players and not adults.
  • I will support my child through positive, constructive, and quiet comment about their play.
  • I will get my child to games and practices on time, properly equipped and prepared to play.
  • I will refrain from sideline coaching.

Game day is an exciting experience for everyone concerned, but it is about the players!

Parents have a simple but important role to play; they should encourage and cheer for their team. Their role is to support - not coach - the players. This needs to be made clear from the start of the season otherwise the children are exposed to too much conflicting, subjective and varied instruction.

Please no pep talks before or after the game. The only words you need to say to your child are “Did you have fun?” and “I love watching you play.” Yes, we want them to listen, work hard and compete - trainers and volunteer coaches will manage this expectation.

5 MISTAKES SOCCER PARENTS MAKE WITH THEIR PLAYERS

Parents play a critical role in their child’s soccer development, but have you ever really examined whether you’re supporting your player’s development or hindering it? How can you support and encourage your child without getting in the way?

CHANGING THE GAME PROJECT

Parents - a must watch for EVERYONE!

The NLS Player Competency Matrix should help coaches, and parents, to know when players should be ‘Introduced’ (x) to a skill/concept and when players should be expected to demonstrate ‘Competency’ (+).

 

Players are all on different journeys to their own development. While some players might excel in certain areas earlier than others, this does not necessarily mean that they will develop into world class players. The same can be said for players who are behind their peers in various developmental aspects. The most important piece is that players are aware of areas they perform well in, need to improve on and have intrinsic motivation to improve outside of training.