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Do you communicate your coaching approach to parents? What has worked well in this process? Read some of our ideas here.

Community Manager

Have you ever thought about having 'parents evening' style meetings? Or even including them in discussions around objectives and what 'success' looks like?

The subject of parents often generates a lively debate amongst coaches in most settings. However, by focusing on the positive impact of including parents when planning for a session or matchday, coaches may tap into a source of support they might have missed.

Take a look at the importance of including parents in the planning process then share your thoughts and discuss your ideas in this thread.

  • Hi.

    I have recently got involved with my sons football team. They are under 10's and for most of them it's the first time they have played. Quite a few have come along because they where told they weren't going to play at their former teams. So from the start we have had the philosophy that the players are going to enjoy themselves and we will help develop them. 

    Being a teacher I know the importance and impact of having a good relationship with parents. From the off, we have communicated our philosophy both in written form and verbally. At every training session we tell them what we are working on and that we hope to see that, or at least an attempt, during matchday. That is us winning. We have made it abundantly clear that there will be equal playing time, players playing in a range of positions (in kids terms) and we do not want the boys to get rid of the ball.

    During matches we are generally quiet and have explained to the parents that we want the boys to try and work things out. This was something one parent asked about, 'why are you so quiet when the opposition coach is telling his team what to do?' The answer was, just like in class, we show children a method or skill and then we let them try by themselves scaffolding when and where required. It's called learning and mistakes are part of that. They aren't an issue to the child if they aren't to the adult.

    After the matches the other coach congratulates the players and asks a few pertinent questions while I go over to the parents to ask if they have any queries. I will give an answer, then back it up using something from FAs DNA key messages. This may be further supported by a photocopy, showing something on a laptop at the next training or, by sending out a link for them to watch at home.

    Our next move will be to have monthly socials where the kids can eat and play and we can chat in groups, or one to one with parents. These, I guess, will be our informal parents evenings. As a teacher I was always last out of parents evening meetings. I enjoyed them and always made sure my classroom door was open at the end of the day. That triangle between player, parent, coach has to be strong and the relationship needs to be flexible, open and fair. 

    So far it is working well and we are all improving and moving in the same direction. In spite of some heavy defeats we have happy children and parents enjoying being part of our club.