Eight Disconnections Between Coaches and Parents in Youth Soccer

It makes absolute sense that a parents’ love for their child will always lead to a set view of the world and sports - and their child’s place within it.

One of the key changes in the U.S. Soccer coaching license pathway has been a recognition and inclusion of a task entitled “Managing the Performance Environment”. A key part of this task for coaches is in building relationships with parents and creating an environment in which coaches-players-parents work together to create the best possible learning opportunity for their players.

For a long time I have believed and promoted the fact that coaches must work with and alongside parents. I believe coaches should do all within their power to help the parents understand the importance of their role in their child’s developmental journey. I have encouraged coaches to have frequent meetings and communications with all parental groups.