Families & spectators have a great influence on children’s enjoyment and success in football. All children play football because they first and foremost love the game – it’s fun. It is important to remember that however good a child becomes at football within your club it is important to reinforce the message to parents/spectators that positive encouragement will contribute to:

• Children enjoying football
• A sense of personal achievement
• Self-esteem
• Improvement in the child’s skills and techniques.

A parent’s/spectator’s expectations and attitudes have a significant bearing on a child’s attitude towards:

• Other players
• Officials
• Managers
• Spectators.

Ensure that parents/spectators within your club are always positive and encouraging towards all of the children, not just their own.

Encourage parents/spectators to:

• Applaud the opposition as well as your own team
• Avoid coaching the child during the game
• Refrain from shouting and screaming
• Respect the referee’s decision
• Give attention to each of the children involved in football, not just the most talented
• Give encouragement to everyone to participate in football