Goal-Oriented Parenting: A Comprehensive Guide to Supporting Young Soccer Stars
- akoacht
- May 14
- 5 min read
Updated: May 27
By Aaron, Director of Coaching, AKOACHT Football Academy www.akoacht.com.au
This article is also available as a podcast, please click the link to listen and subscribe. https://open.spotify.com/episode/19nlHC2L8UB53dX9MHbbz6?si=ZAzgTt3oR5OWBkvDHUSuZA
Raising a young soccer player can be an incredibly rewarding journey—one that requires thoughtful guidance, patience, and a commitment to your child’s personal and athletic development. At AKOACHT Football Academy, we've helped hundreds of families navigate this path over the past 13 years, developing not just athletes but confident, capable young adults.
Through our Goal-Oriented Soccer Parenting framework, we provide parents with the tools and knowledge they need to support their children at every stage of their soccer journey. This article offers a deep dive into the key principles that underpin successful soccer parenting, along with practical advice you can start using today.
The Three Pillars of Youth Soccer Development
To support your child effectively, it’s essential to understand the foundational components of the game. Every successful soccer player builds their skills on these three pillars:
1. Technique
Technique is the cornerstone of soccer development. It includes:
Ball control – the ability to receive and manipulate the ball under pressure.
Dribbling – navigating tight spaces with confidence.
Passing & receiving – accurate distribution and anticipation.
Shooting – finishing skills with power and precision.
First touch – controlling the ball upon receiving it.
At the younger ages (typically 6–12), technical mastery should be a major focus. Repetition, guided practice, and small-sided games help players build a reliable skill set.
Parent Tip: Encourage individual ball work at home. Just 10–15 minutes a day practicing dribbling or juggling can make a huge difference over time.
2. Tactics
Tactical development refers to how a player understands and interprets the game. This includes:
Positioning – knowing where to be and when.
Spatial awareness – recognizing open space and danger zones.
Decision-making – choosing the right action under pressure.
Teamwork – understanding roles, formations, and game strategies.
As players grow, especially from age 13 onwards, tactical understanding becomes increasingly important. Tactical coaching and playing different positions can help broaden this skill set.
Parent Tip: Watch games with your child and discuss key moments. Ask questions like, “What would you do in that situation?” to stimulate critical thinking.
3. Physicality
While physical development varies by age and maturity, it plays a major role in long-term success. Physical components include:
Speed and agility
Endurance and stamina
Strength and balance
Injury prevention through warm-ups and recovery routines
In pre-teen years, focus should be on general athletic development rather than strength training. As players mature, structured fitness and nutrition become more important.
Parent Tip: Encourage your child to stay active outside of soccer. Multi-sport participation improves coordination, reduces burnout, and contributes to all-around athleticism.
The Four Critical Factors for Holistic Soccer Development
Beyond the game itself, a young player’s success is shaped by their environment and support system. These four factors significantly influence your child’s enjoyment and growth in soccer.
1. Quality Coaching
A qualified, passionate coach makes a world of difference. A good coach:
Uses a player-centred approach, focusing on individual needs and learning styles.
Creates a positive, inclusive environment that builds confidence and resilience.
Promotes both technical and life skills—communication, leadership, discipline.
Parent Tip: Don’t just look for the highest-level team. Instead, look for a coach who connects well with your child and creates a safe space for learning and making mistakes.
2. Consistent Playing Time
Training is important—but development happens during real game situations. Consistent playing time allows players to:
Apply skills in real-time.
Learn from mistakes.
Build game intelligence.
Improve confidence and composure.
Parent Tip: If your child isn’t getting enough minutes, have an open conversation with the coach. Ask what areas your child can work on to earn more time.
3. Healthy, Balanced Competition
Competition can be a powerful motivator—but only when balanced correctly. The right environment should:
Challenge your child without overwhelming them.
Encourage development over winning at all costs.
Offer opportunities to succeed and fail gracefully.
Parent Tip: Resist the temptation to push your child into higher leagues too early. Development is not a race—progress happens best when confidence and competence grow together.
4. Patience and Perspective
Children mature physically, mentally, and emotionally at different rates. What matters most is:
Supporting your child’s unique timeline.
Focusing on long-term development, not short-term results.
Valuing growth, effort, and enjoyment over trophies.
Parent Tip: Celebrate small wins. Whether it’s a great pass, a display of sportsmanship, or simply trying hard—acknowledge your child’s effort and attitude.
Five Key Ways Parents Can Positively Impact Their Child’s Soccer Journey
Your role as a parent is incredibly influential. Here are five practical strategies to help your child reach their potential:
1. Foster a Love for the Game
The most successful players are those who truly love soccer. To keep that passion alive:
Avoid placing pressure on results.
Encourage free play, creativity, and joy.
Make soccer part of your family culture in fun ways.
Try this: Kick a ball around in the backyard, attend live games together, or watch their favorite players in action. The more they love the game, the more they’ll want to improve.
2. Invest in the Right Resources
Provide your child with what they need to grow:
High-quality coaching
Access to appropriate competition
Good equipment and gear
Safe playing environments
Bonus Tip: Sometimes, it’s worth spending more time finding the right team or coach than chasing the "best" club. Fit matters more than prestige.
3. Encourage Strong Character Development
Soccer teaches life lessons—if you let it. Use the game to nurture:
Resilience – bouncing back from mistakes or losses.
Respect – for teammates, coaches, opponents, and referees.
Teamwork and leadership – learning how to support others and lead by example.
Ask your child: "What did you learn today?" instead of "Did you win?"
4. Be a Positive Role Model
Your behaviour on the sidelines and at home sets the tone. Model:
Grace in victory and defeat.
Respect for all involved in the game.
A growth mindset—valuing effort, learning, and improvement.
Self-check: Do you get more upset about a loss than your child? If so, it may be time to recalibrate your approach.
5. Build a Strong Relationship with Coaches
Your child benefits most when parents and coaches work together. Good communication:
Builds trust and collaboration.
Clarifies goals and expectations.
Creates a support system around your child.
How to help: Attend parent meetings, introduce yourself to coaches, and ask how you can support your child’s progress.
Final Thoughts: It's About More Than Soccer
Being a soccer parent is an opportunity to help your child grow into a strong, capable, and kind human being. Whether they become professional athletes or lifelong lovers of the game, your influence will stay with them far beyond the pitch.
Focus on the journey. Stay positive. Support their love of the game. And most importantly—enjoy every moment together.
At AKOACHT Football Academy, we’re proud to walk this journey with you. Through education, coaching, and parent resources, we’re committed to raising not just soccer players—but great young people.
Together, let’s raise the next generation of confident, resilient, and passionate soccer players.
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