If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Importance of coach- The most important facet of kids soccer is not the quality players but rather the quality coach. The children are still open to skills development and game perfection. However a coach is already formed with either good or bad coaching techniques, with possibility of little or no teaching of new tricks to old dog.

Should not be a burden- Children join soccer teams to develop their game but most of all to have fun. Playing soccer should not be a burden for the parents or the kids. If it is, it will reflect in the overall game and attitude. The key to having fun is to actually take part in the game. The coach should make sure that the players each get at least 50% play time during a game. Rotating is thus essential. Now the basis of rotation is just as important as rotation self. The basis should be a players willingness, motivation and attitude not how good a player he or she is. Passion fuels rotation.

Hiring pro’s- In general kids soccer can be a bit expensive. However expense is pushed to the limit in the game when professional trainers are hired as coaches. These pro’s can cost the parents up to US$100 extra. The only disadvantage to professional trainers is that competitiveness reigns over fun. It defeats the whole object of kids soccer.

Suitability- You can start your childs’ kids soccer training as early as 5 years of age. The sport is suitable for both girls and boys. Soccer is a medium safe sport as there is low contact. To be successful with the game the child should have traits including good vision, be team player, top aerobic fitness and top ball skills.

Key to success- The key to a soccer teams’ success lies in discipline. Without discipline your whole plan and strategy for the game will fall flat on it’s face as there is zero control over the players. If all parties to the game including opposition, parents, players and coaches are disciplined, the game will be a great pleasure on and off the field. Especially new coaches are very afraid and greatly challenged by the concept of discipline.

Camping- Kids camps are ideal for development and socialisation with children with the same ideas and love of the game. However exercise caution in choosing your childs’ camp. Safety is essential as well as separate of children of different ages. Mixed camps are generally a disaster as there is no age appropriate programmes applied. Safety is also not of the highest importance during these mixed camps. Different ages require different supervision.

Some basics- It is always good to know the basics of a game before joining or letting your kids join. The basic rules of the game are: Firstly there are 11 players on the field including one goalkeeper. Every time a goal is kicked into the net area behind the goalkeeper, the team scores one point. Touching of the ball with hands or arms is prohibited. The field is rectangular in shape and 90-120×45-90 metres.

Sideline coaching- As a parent please avoid sideline coaching. This only confuses the kids. The coach has a set game plan and strategy which you are not informed of. Respect is very important between coach and players as well as coach and parents. If the parents bulldoze the coach, it will give the children the idea that they can do as they please and need not listen to the coach.