The 5 Steps of to be a successful Football parent.

In the world today there is a lack of humility and empathy, examples out there for all to see.  In Trinidad we suffer from this also.  At youth level you will see teams annihilate and mock the team they win against.  Also many academies play older players in friendlies to get bragging rites to make their  academies look good.

I don't agree with is as it does nothing for development. If i am coaching a team that is  destroying a team we will mix up a bit. Weaker players will get more time to play.  Good player will get to play in positions they are not familiar with.  If we are losing we will instruct and allow the kid to learn regardless of the score.  The score has no meaning when your focus is development.  At U5, U8, U10, U13 the score has little importance compared to the experience the child gets playing and learning on the field.

Today unfortunately in Trinidad's football scene there is a focus and obsession to build teams that destroy the competition.  This is done to create bragging rights and convince parents to jump ship between academies to be with a "winning" team.  The reality is that teams build like this have a narrow focus to build an "Elite group" and this is great if your child is in that group and get special attention and help.  Sorry for you if she is not.

Here's the rub.  There is no direct link between a youth start player at under 18 age groups that guarantee their success later in life.  Second being on a team built to roll over competitors is no guarantee of success beyond.

So if your are a parent what can you do?

Step 1:  is to make sure your child is in an environment where she is comfortable and is getting the attention she needs to improve.

Step 2:  is that your child is enjoying the experience and cultivating a love for the game.  With out the love the work will feel like punishment.

Step 3: Do no be a jumper parent that jumps from one academy to another because your 6 year old is the next Ronald and the coach is playing him out of position.   U12 is about fun and foundation.  Players need to play all positions and work on a solid basics foundation.  It works for Spain, Holland and Germany, we don't need to reinvent that wheel.  If we try to it probably wont be a smooth ride. Sticking in one place where your child is comfortable allows relationships to be built that help improvement in team sports. This way the individual and team improve in tandem.

Step4: Allow your child to choose.  A dad can love football or a team but becoming a a professional athlete is extremely competitive and requires a life time of work.  Don't make that decision for your child. Your only in charge for a while. Don't pressure them to choose what you want because most kids want to  please their parents until they become teens.  Then all the blame is on you because you wanted it not them.  Review step to.  Love the game. Share the love with your child. Give them an opportunity to develop good foundation. The if they get the football bug, fuel the fire with encouragement and support.

Step 5: Be realistic. Your child is not Messi. Do encourage lies.  Yes she can aspire to be a great like Messi but even Messi was not Messi at 7 years.  Encourage them to work and try to improve and most of all enjoy.  When Messi scores a goal today you see a big smile that has nothing to do with money. It's a love for the game smile the same smile he had as 1 10 ear old.  Messi was not made in a day. It took a lifetime. Be realistic.

Step6: Communicate with your coach and be aware of your child's issues or progress.  Once coach and parent are in alignment, your child should be in a good place.  Find a coach that works for you and your child and at the end of the day you are happy as well as your child.