'Always aim to be positive
and encouraging towards all
children involved in football.'
Adult spectators, and parents in particular, have a great influence on children’s success in football. That influence should always be used positively through encouragement and praise. Coaching from the touch-line and criticism will often lead to players losing confidence and withdrawing from the game. Remember they are playing for their own benefit NOT ours
Your positive encouragement will contribute to .....
- Children’s enjoyment of football
- Their sense of personal achievement
- Their self-esteem
- How well they are able to improve their skills and techniques
- Their attitude towards opponents, managers and officials
We encourage parents / spectators to .....
- Always be positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own
- Applaud the opposition as well as our own teams
- Avoid coaching the child during the game
- Not shout and scream in a way that may intimidate children in the opposing team
- Respect the referee’s decisions without protest
- Give attention to each of the children involved in football not just the most talented
- Encourage your child to cooperate with coaches and team managers
- Set a good example by not smoking in the presence of junior players