As parents, we always want the best for our children, encouraging and supporting them; however, sometimes, by lobbying too much with the best of intentions, we can end up doing more harm than good.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if the child is talented as a soccer player
You can easily understand this by checking if he is able to dribble (kick the ball near your feet) and if he can shoot the ball accurately.
Step 2. Determine if the child shows interest in sports
Ask him if he would like to play football or some other such sport.
Step 3. Encourage him to take an interest in football by showing an interest in the sport yourself
In other words, watch the game with him and go for four shots in the yard. By participating in a league (or organizing one), you can encourage his interest in the game.
Step 4. Enroll your child in a football school or club and observe him closely for the first two days to see if he likes it
If not, you shouldn't force him to play.
Step 5. Sign him up for a fall football league
In some provinces, both autumn and spring championships are held, but since autumn is the season of football, the autumn championships are more competitive and the training is qualitatively superior to that of the spring championships.
Step 6. Support him and always stay by his side, even when he makes a mistake
Remind him that football isn't everything and it's not just about winning. As long as he does his best and has fun, you will always be proud of him.
Step 7. Sign up for a course to become a coach
Your child will understand that they can play with you more often or alone when you are not with them. It doesn't cost too much and it only takes three to four hours for a coaching course in a youth football league.
Advice
- It would be a good idea to try and enroll your child in a more advanced football league when he is still young, so that he can develop his skills and learn to play at a higher level.
- Encourage your child when he behaves well, on and off the pitch. This will make him feel more confident so he can try new things both on and off the pitch.
- Train your child so he can develop his skills, not win trophies.
- Help the child remember that football is a team sport; there shouldn't be just one person doing all the work.
- Ask him what position he prefers to play in, and depending on his response, help him train. For example, if he tells you that he prefers to be a goalkeeper, tell him to stay in goal while you shoot (without using too much power) some balls to save.
- If he's good at this sport, encourage him and tell him he's a good player like Totti or Buffon were when they were young.
- If your child makes mistakes, talk to him and ask him what he could have done differently.
- Borrow or buy a couple of football books and read them; after that, share the information with your child. Try not to pester him with football all the time, however, or he will end up hating the sport.
- Teach your child to respect opponents, referees and coaches by setting a good example yourself. See how soccer players behave during the World Cup, shaking hands, exchanging shirts and hugging their opponents.
- Don't yell at your child to "not be playing in his position". The coach may have assigned him a different role than usual.
Warnings
- If he is not interested, do not force him to play sports.
- Let the coach guide your child during matches; your job is to cheer for him.
- Don't overdo the encouragement; you would just embarrass your child and end up bothering him.
- Don't point out any mistakes; he will most likely realize this for himself when he does something wrong.
- Don't follow him all over the pitch screaming like crazy during the game. You would end up embarrassing him by making him resent you.
