Support for your child in sports is the most valuable tool available next to good coaching. I have just finished my sixth year of coaching youth soccer; my third in club, and I have seen the vast difference in a players abilities to perform better and enjoy their experience depending on the level of support they get from there families as well as team members. This is the beginning of becoming a great soccer parent.

Great soccer parents will make an effort to learn the rules of the game, cheer from the sidelines but not coach their child during a game. Parents must understand that every coach that they have throughout their child's soccer experience will have his or her own method, style and strategy in achieving balance, team chemistry and learning. A good soccer parent will respect this even if they do not understand why their child is not playing on the field at any given time.

Great soccer parents should require good sportsmanship and good manners from their children. It is always a pleasure to have athletes show their respect by thanking the coaches at the end of practice.

Get involved. The two most important aspects of being a good soccer parent is commitment and patience. Great soccer parents get their athletes to practice on time, and do not miss any practices. They are often instrumental in supporting or working with the Coach or Team Mom in coordinating off-field activities, arranging transportation and if possible contributing to or sponsoring events and tournaments. Patience is instrumental to the development and understanding of how the game is played. I am not just referring to the rules of the game. A great deal of time is needed to achieve a competent skill level before the mental development phase of the game can be implemented. The mastering of skills is an ongoing task while a player begins to develop the decision making process and field play strategies. This requires years of play as well as maturity.

Enjoy it! Getting to know the other parents and staff are as important as showing up for games. Bring the whole family to those games. Everyone plays better when they know they have family and friends that have come to see them play. If possible take your child to watch more advanced teams play. Some teams will even plan a trip to see a professional soccer game. This is a great experience and helps to inspire as well as educate youthful soccer players.

Please remember that being a great soccer parent means not being too hard on your child about performance. Some parents err on the side of making the mistake of trying to play sports through their children. This can create enough pressure and stress to destroy the enjoyment of team sports. It is best to talk with the coach and your child. Express your concerns and communicate any problems or challenges that your star is facing.