California Youth Soccer Association - North

1040 Serpentine Lane Suite 201

Pleasanton, CA 94566-4754

Recreation Articles

Youth Soccer Tips

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Articles by Corey L. Nelson

CYSA-North Recreation Committee Chair

Introduction to New Recreation Committee, Soccer California -Nov 2005

The Very Definition of Recreational, Part I, Soccer California- Feb 2006

The Very Definition of Recreational, Part II, Soccer California- May 2006

Players Flourish in Right Environment, Soccer California- May 2006

Soccer California is always looking for more submissions. Send your submissions to fmarotto@cysanorth.org.

Players Flourish in Right Environment

By Corey L. Nelson

CYSA-North Recreation Committee Chair

appeared in "Soccer California" May 2006

A flower grows best when provided the right location, nourishment, and exposure to the things that support its natural evolution from seed to blossom. Planted in the wrong place, a seed can not sprout. Without the right food and water, the sprout may not grow strong and tall. Without the appropriate amounts of sun and shade, the stalk may wither instead of blossom.

Your youth soccer player is a seed yearning to blossom in the garden (some call it a soccer field). Learning to play soccer is like a seed trying to find its way to the surface. The natural desire is there to reach new heights, acquire new skills, and to reach out to be with others in the bunch. Skills beg to be developed. One yearns to be with others also seeking to grow and become a team. By parents and leagues each contributing to the creation of the proper environment, the youth player has a better chance to enjoy the sport and develop properly.

Parents and leagues are cooperative farmers in this community garden. Parents have the most influence on a child of what is expected behavior and acceptable attitude. Kids learn by watching. The team experience is also shaped by the coach (often a parent on the team). During practice and games, players have both spectators and coaches contributing to the environment they play in. The food and water that nurtures them comes in the form of positive and supporting encouragement. Players are fortified with the right nourishment. But no one can do it alone, nor should they.

It is natural for an organization, such as a youth soccer league, to remind parents of their power to influence others and that they must take responsibility for their actions. Yet the success of a parent can be cut short if they themselves do not have a supportive environment to work with. Since leagues are volunteer organizations, most board members are working double duty as a working parent as well as a volunteer in the league. As the board works hard to provide an organized opportunity for the kids to play, it is healthy to take a self-critical look at how parents are supported in the requests made of them. A league, much like the parent of the child, provides the direction and sets expectations. The environment and support from the league to the other adults play a major role in meeting those expectations.

Positive input is like the sun. The player rises up, reaching for more compliments for good effort, sportsmanship, and accomplishments. The warmth fuels growth in a specific direction. Beware of too much sun. That can confuse the player that there are not areas of improvement to pay attention to so further growth is possible. A healthy amount of constructive comment on areas needing improvement is necessary. Shade, if you will, at key moments gives the player understanding of what to work on next. Too much shade and negative comments can kill any desire to try again or even play the game.

The Recreation Committee has been working on some projects to help leagues improve their odds in getting the support what they ask of the parents. One such tool being created is an agreement that is unique in its approach. Instead of asking a family to sign a contract to refrain from all the things a league does not support, we encourage a joint agreement. By creating a mutually beneficial document where both sides work in partnership, there is a better chance of nurturing the best garden for the sprouts to mature. This tool is offered to the leagues to use, as they wish, if it fits their needs. The committee seeks to support leagues to cultivate the environment they need to be successfully, just as we encourage the leagues to work with their parents in partnership to create a paradise for the players to grow up in.

When a player is provided the right environment, he will flourish. He will have the best chance to reach his full potential. Tend the garden and enjoy the beautiful bounty it produces. A field full of happy players is worth the investment.

Your feedback and discussion is welcome. You can contact Corey Nelson at coreynelsonagc@aol.com or 925-455-1214.