How to Turn Your Child Into a Soccer Star

Last Updated: June 4, 2020

As parents, you always want the best for your children, so you encourage them and support them. But sometimes, by pushing them too hard in the direction you think is best for them, they may face problems.

Steps

1
See if your child has the talents of a soccer player. You can tell this if he or she is able to dribble (kicking ball close to your feet) and can shoot with accuracy.
2
See if your child has any interest in the sport. Ask them if they would enjoy playing soccer or anything related to that.
3
Encourage their interest by modeling your own.(Watch soccer with them, play soccer with them.) Sometimes joining (or starting) a soccer league of your own will help your child enjoy the game more.
4
Send them to a soccer school or camp and watch them the first couple of days to see if they enjoy it. If they don't, you shouldn't force them to play.
5
Put them in a fall soccer league. In some areas there are both spring and fall leagues, but because fall is the soccer season, it is usually more competitive and has better coaching than the spring leagues.
6
Support them and be with them, even if they fail. However, remind them that it is everything and it is not all about winning. As long as they do their best and have fun, you will always be proud of them.
7
Get trained and be a coach. Your child will understand that he can play with you more often, or play by him/herself when you are not around. It is inexpensive and takes only 3-4 hours to get trained to coach in a youth soccer league.

Community Q&A

Question

Some people don't think soccer is the sport for me, but I want to be a soccer star. How do I prove them wrong?

Akitagem

Community Answer

Practice a lot and show that you are willing to work hard. If you take the sport seriously, then they will take you seriously.
Question

My son is very good at soccer. Should I send him to soccer class?

Community Answer

It is up to you and your son. If he wants to go, or is willing to give it a try, sure.
Question

How can I help my teenage son do this?

Community Answer

All you have to do is be patient, and introduce him to the game. At a random time, ask him to pass the ball with you. If you think he seems interested enough, ask him if he is willing to take soccer lessons.
Question

How can my son be a future football star?

Community Answer

If he wants to play football then sign him up to play on a team, but if he doesn't want to then don't make him. You can't force him to be who you want him to be, he is his own person. But if he loves the sport then put him into as many leagues and camps as you can.
Question

I am preparing my 3 year old to go to the academy (in future), what are the next set of steps to take?

Community Answer

First, make sure it is what they want. If they don't want to do it, they won't be nearly as good as they could be if they chose to do it. Then you'll need to book them in, get clothing and shoes, make a timetable for driving them there and picking them up (at their age, you really should stay during practice sessions) and make a budget. None of this comes cheap!
Question

My son really loves soccer and he is so so good at it. Should I put him in an academy? He is 12.

Community Answer

Have him try it out. Make sure you balance football with other forms of enrichment, for a well-rounded education. Academies may streamline his football progress but ignore other basic academic progress, so you need to ensure this is still being focused on.
Question

My son wants to pursue football after GSCE. What course should he do after GSCE?

Community Answer

Start by seeing if he enjoys football, especially in more competitive leagues. Try taking football at school and doing a Physical Ed GCSE. After, he can continue a PE A-Level or go to a club or college.

Warnings

If they are not interested, don't push them into the sport.

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Let the coach do the coaching during games; your job is to cheer them on.

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Don't point out every mistake, he/she will most likely know when they do something wrong.

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Don't over-praise, it only embarrasses and/or annoys your child.

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Don't chase them up and down the field yelling during the game. This will lead to embarrassment and resentment.

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