Are We on the Right Playing Field?

This isn't just my take—Buford Mobley said it best: We, as parents, are responsible for our player’s development—period. Yes, the player must want to grow, but we are the ones creating the environment for that growth—on the field just as we do in their education, nutrition, health, and character development.

No Blame. No Excuses. Just Play Better.

In our home, post-game talk happens. My kids want to blame the ref, the dirty team, the weather—you name it. But here? Blame shifting is not tolerated. My response is always the same: Play better. Smarter. Faster.

Bad ref? Elevate your game so the bad calls don’t matter. Tough opponent? Adapt and outplay them. Adversity isn’t a roadblock—it’s a challenge to level up.

Game Day: The Report Card

Game day isn’t magic. It’s the test that shows what was learned in practice. Maybe it’s a fiery shot on goal that almost takes my head off (I’d cry if it hit me 😂). Maybe it’s subtle—a cleaner touch, a crisper pass, timing a run just right.

Development isn’t just about scoring and winning. There’s a reason professionals still train daily. The layers of growth in this game never stop—neither should our perspective.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Your Kid

Your player will have bad games. Guess what? Even elite pros have games where they completely lose their rhythm. So why do parents lose their minds over a U9 match? Bruh, they aren’t even a decade old.

Why expect pro-level execution from a kid, when we don’t expect a 6-year-old to do calculus? Your kid isn’t Messi. She’s not Alex Morgan. Let them develop.

Your Parent Evaluation (Yes, You)

You run the training environment and, most importantly, the home environment. Take a hard look in the mirror and ask yourself:

✅ Do I give my son/daughter reassurance that his/her identity and my love exists outside of soccer? (Please be sure conversations occur outside of soccer)
✅ Am I their biggest encourager? (I loved when you… Hey, I noticed you… That was awesome when [teammate] did…)
✅ Is my player in the right environment? (Coach, team culture, level of adversity—age-appropriate and constructive?)
✅ Am I keeping perspective on the season? Big picture vs. tunnel vision on trophies?
✅ Am I monitoring my player’s health? (Nutrition, hydration, sleep, injuries, rest, strength training?)
✅ Do I give feedback when they ask and back off when they don’t?
✅ Am I recognizing character wins, not just game wins? (Effort, leadership, sportsmanship, grit?)

Practice Matters: Is It the Right One?

🏆 Does my player enjoy practice?
🏆 Are they challenged appropriately?
🏆 Are individual skill-building opportunities available throughout the week?
🏆 Are they encouraged AND held accountable?
🏆 Is training diverse and progressing? (New lessons, new challenges, growth in both individual & team aspects?)

Reflection = Growth

Throughout the season, check in with your player—but keep it age-appropriate. For the little ones: “Do you love playing soccer?” For older kids: “Do you see your improvements? How is your game helping the team? What’s working? What needs work?”

This isn’t just about soccer—it’s about teaching your kid to reflect, adapt, and grow. And THAT is how you build not just a better player, but a stronger, more resilient person.