Top five tips for setting parent expectations at the start of the season

Parents are one of the biggest influences on a young player’s football experience.

Most want the best for their child, but if expectations aren’t set early, misunderstandings can quickly develop. Spending just 20 minutes with parents before the season starts can save countless difficult conversations later.

If you do get that time with them, here’s what you might want to share with them.

1. Explain what success looks like

Be clear about what you’re trying to achieve as a coach. At younger ages, development, confidence and enjoyment should come before results. Tell parents you’ll be encouraging players to try new positions, play out from the back and make mistakes. If everyone understands the bigger picture, there are fewer frustrations when things don’t go perfectly on a Sunday.

2. Be upfront about playing time

This is usually the biggest source of conflict, so don’t avoid it. Explain how you make decisions and whether everyone will get equal game time or whether selections change as players get older. Parents don’t always have to agree, but they should know what to expect from the start rather than making assumptions.

3. Ask parents to let you do the coaching

Most parents don’t mean any harm, but hearing instructions from three different directions can be confusing for young players. Encourage parents to be their child’s biggest supporter rather than a second coach. Positive encouragement such as “Well done” or “Keep going” is far more helpful than shouting tactical instructions from the touchline.

4. Encourage good communication

As girls move into their teenage years, confidence and communication can vary hugely. Encourage parents to help their daughter take responsibility. If she’s unavailable, injured or worried about something, support her to speak to you herself where appropriate. Building those communication skills is part of their development both on and off the pitch.

5. Remember you’re all on the same team

Parents, coaches and players all want the same thing - a positive environment where players can enjoy football and improve. Let parents know they can come to you with concerns, but ask that conversations happen away from the touchline and not straight after an emotional game. A 24-hour cool-off rule is often useful for all parties. A calm conversation a day later is almost always more productive than one immediately after the final whistle.