Participation in a sports program is an excellent way for your child to get more exercise, make new friends, learn to play a sport, and develop self confidence and leadership skills. Especially for new athletes, this can be a real challenge... and it can be a challenge to the parents as well. "Who is this coach, telling my child what to do? My child is far better than the other kids, why is the coach playing them? Those people on the other team are real bullies, and their parents are worse, gloating and carrying on. The referee must be blind, he’s obviously a total incompetent."

For Parents is dedicated to soccer moms and dads and contains information and resources that will educate parents about the game as well as promote positive behaviors.

For example: How you act will have a lot to do with whether this is a positive experience for your child. As a soccer parent, you should cheer for all the kids on the team, not just your child. Also, you should refrain from criticizing your child’s teammates or coach in your child’s presence; if you have suggestions for the coach, you should make them in private, after the game. You should not criticize the referee.

Currently, we have some basic information about the game, brief explainations of different positions, and some common soccer terms explained. Additionally, we offer some thoughts that every soccer parent should know as well as some nutrition tips to help players recover after a game and prepare for the next one.

Additionally, please visit the pages of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Sports Medicine Program website where you will find a number of tips for training, nutrition, safety, and avoiding injuries.

Please check back as more information will be added soon!