I have to start with this incredibly important yet obvious statement that applies to everyone in Grassroots Football. Players, Parents, Coaches, Referees, Assistants – everyone. Positivity is so important as that energy feeds it’s way through a team culture and importantly to the young players in the teams allowing them to have fun, be creative, learn from mistakes and to develop.
Imagine being the player whose parent is yelling on the sideline. Shouting instructions, shouting about a missed shot on goal or a missed tackle. Imagine the shouting echoing in the players head – suddenly the fear kicks in, they can’t now think for themselves, they make more mistakes and they lose the love.
I often hear coaches and parents taking their frantic energy to a level which is completely unacceptable. Crossing the boundary of encouraging and support to levels that some may call abuse. If young players are being exposed to this level from coaches and parents then what chance have we of developing a positive culture which is fun, progressive, safe and above all positive?
Grassroots football is for young players. They want to have fun. They want to make new friends, develop themselves and enjoy the experiences. It’s not premiership football – it’s young players trying their best – so let’s stay positive for them, encourage, support, suggest and demonstrate – but don’t yell at them. Be positive.
Footy For Kids 