At Drogheda Boys & Girls FC, we believe that a positive environment on the sidelines plays a crucial role in the development and enjoyment of young players. Parents and coaches have the power to shape a child’s football experience—either by supporting them in the right way or unintentionally adding pressure that affects their confidence and enjoyment.
As part of the ‘It’s My Game’ initiative, we want to highlight some simple dos and don’ts for parents and coaches to help create the best possible environment for our players.
Do:
- Encourage effort and teamwork – Praise players for their hard work, not just for scoring goals.
- Respect the referee and opposition – Teach children that football is about fair play and respect.
- Let the coaches coach – Trust in the coaching process and allow players to learn.
- Be a role model – Show positive behavior, patience, and sportsmanship at all times.
- Support all players – Applaud good play from both teams, not just your own child.
Don’t:
- Shout instructions – Let players make their own decisions and learn from mistakes.
- Criticize referees – They are part of the game and doing their best.
- Focus only on winning – Development is more important than results in youth football.
- Compare children – Every player progresses at their own pace.
- Bring negativity – Football should be fun; leave stress and pressure off the pitch.
Football is a game for the players—our role as adults is to provide a supportive, encouraging, and respectful environment where they can develop, have fun, and build lifelong skills. By embracing the ‘It’s My Game’ initiative and following these simple guidelines, we can ensure that youth football remains a positive and rewarding experience for all.
Let’s work together to make sure every child feels supported, enjoys the game, and grows in confidence on and off the pitch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwTzqHTKdf4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwTzqHTKdf4
