In this blog, we examine how parents and carers can help you to achieve some simple aims.

Both on and off the pitch, the adults who look after your players have a crucial role in creating a positive experience of football. If they play their part, they can help you with the following aims.

A life-long love of being active and healthy

This relies on children enjoying their experience of football.

If a parent puts a lot of pressure on a child to play sport and, for example, prioritises winning over having fun, then they may start to see physical activity as something they have to do – not something they want to do.

To help prevent this, when you’re talking to your team’s caregivers, make sure you communicate the importance of creating a positive and enjoyable environment.

Mastery of their body and the ball

To support this aim, encourage your players' parents to celebrate individual ability on (and a connection with) the ball. You could also highlight the benefits of children continuing – or trying – other sports.

A 'can do’ attitude to problem solving and learning

The FA promotes ‘active learning’. This means that players should be provided with lots of opportunities to experiment, explore, interact with friends, ask questions and consider alternative answers. These are all things that parents can encourage at home, too.

The skills to build new relationships and be a good friend

We want to develop children who are equipped to deal with life – not just football.

To help your players to build the skills needed to establish positive relationships with others, spectators should demonstrate respect and sportsmanship at all time. For example, parents should applaud good play (by anyone), talk to the ‘opposing’ parents, support the referee’s decisions and control their emotions.

In short, any adult involved in children’s football should be a good role model.

Getting parents and carers onside can help you to create an environment – both on and off the pitch – that supports your players' development.