PARENT'S CORNER

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS HERE

Youth soccer provides a healthy activity for children through recreational programs. These programs focus on fun and deemphasize winning at all costs. Every child is guaranteed playing time and the game is taught in a relaxed, comfortable, and fun environment. South San Francisco United Youth Soccer League strives to make the game of soccer fun, affordable, and accessible to all children in South San Francisco and its surrounding communities.   

What Does Your Child

Need To Play?


  1. A soccer ball: each child should have an age appropriate ball that they bring to practice.
  2. Shin Guards: These are required for all practices and games and should protect the shin and ankle.
  3. Soccer Shoes(cleats): The studs or cleats must be rubber  or molded plastic and they must be round.
  4. Soccer Uniform (Jersey, Shorts, and Socks): Youth will receive a jersey with their registration.  Soccer socks go over the shin guards.
  5. A Water Bottle: It is important to have fresh water available.
A young boy is tying his soccer cleats on a field.
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Basic Soccer Equipment

for parents:

  • A comfortable lawn chair for games and practices
  • Comfortable clothing-Clothing for all weather conditions as well as an umbrella in case of rain.
  • An enthusiastic and positive attitude.
  • A sense of humor.     
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Why Do Players Play?

 

  • To have fun.
  • To be with their friends.
  • To make new friends.
  • To improve and learn.
  • To feel good.
  • To wear the stuff.


US Youth Soccer Education Program


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Guidelines for Soccer Parents:         

  1. Have reasonable expectations.
  2. Cheer!!!
  3. Relax and let them play.
  4. Yelling Directions = Distraction.
  5. Communicate with the coaches.



 US Youth Soccer Education Program



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Top Reasons Players Quit:


  • Criticism and yelling
  • No playing time
  • Over emphasis on winning
  • Poor communication
  • Fear of making mistakes
  • Boredom
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Signs That You Are Taking Soccer Too Seriously:

  • You are nervous before your child’s game.
  • You have a difficult time recovering from a game your child has lost.
  • You make mental notes during a game so that you can give your child advice during the drive home.
  • You become verbally critical of an official.  
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Four Emotional Needs of Players

            Children have four basic emotional needs in organized sports.

  • To play without unhealthy pressure to win imposed by parents and coaches.
  • To be treated like children, not miniature professionals.
  • Adult role models whose sportsmanlike behavior helps make participation fun.
  • To play without adult imposed pressure for financial gain inspired by professional or big-time collegiate sports.

(Douglas Abrams; Villanova Sports Journal, 2002)

A man and a little boy are playing with a soccer ball in the grass.

What a Supportive Parent Looks Like

  •  Be sure to base your support and encouragement not on their level of success but on the fact that you love and support them for who they are.
  • All youth are individuals who grow and develop at different rates., so don't compare your child to others.
  • Leave the coaching to the coaches and stay away from criticizing coaching decisions and strategies.
  • Continually emphasize the importance of your child having respect for themselves, the referees, their coaches, teammates, and opponents. Make sure you are a role model of this behavior.
  • At all costs, avoid putting pressure on children about playing time and performance.
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