Parents on the Soccer Sideline Series: How to Be a Supportive Soccer Parent
Every young soccer player deserves supportive parents who respect their love for the game—but too often, well-meaning soccer moms and soccer dads unknowingly add stress, frustration, and pressure their youth soccer player instead.
While some parents sit back and enjoy the match, others coach from the sidelines, offering unwanted advice, criticism, or constant instructions. And when the game ends? Many youth soccer players barely step off the field before getting a post-game analysis of what they did wrong. And, try to remember they are just kids and this is supposed to be fun.
Let’s be clear—coaches and players hate this. Constructive feedback matters, but timing and delivery are everything. 
So how can parents communicate in a way that actually helps their kids? SoccerToday’s Diane Scavuzzo spoke with Jason Pratt, who shares expert advice on how parents can better support youth soccer players without overwhelming them.
This must-read interview breaks down common mistakes parents make, how to frame constructive criticism effectively, and why some parents struggle to let go of their own soccer dreams.
SoccerToday Interview with Jason Pratt on Youth Soccer Parents
iane Scavuzzo: Why do parents think they are helping their kids but are so oblivious to how bad they make them feel?
Jason Pratt: The assumption is reasonable — I can improve my child’s play by pointing out the things she or he isn’t doing well to “help her learn”.
There are many flaws with this well-intentioned assumption:
The child very often is aware of the mistake that was made and doesn’t really benefit from the simple reference to it. Especially when that reference is so often constructed negatively or with sarcasm.
THE PRO SOCCER PLAYER MAKES A TON OF MISTAKES, SO HOW MANY DO WE THINK OUR YOUTH PLAYERS ARE GOING TO MAKE?
WHY DO WE EXPECT MORE OF OUR KIDS THAN WE DO FROM OUR PAID PROFESSIONALS?
The approach of pointing out each flaw translates into a lot of negativity and judgment from the parent, whose primary role is unconditional love and support.
Let the coach prioritize what needs help and what can be best learned from trial and error – let that process breathe!
- There is an art to the timing and method of these conversations.
- It isn’t as obvious to us as it feels like it should be – but it also isn’t a difficult skill to learn.
Both ProConnect Sports and Positive Coaching Alliance offer solutions for this – but not enough clubs yet focus their attention on bringing in programs to help educate parents.
WE NEED TO INVEST A LITTLE IN THE PARENTS, AS THEY ARE INVESTING IN OUR CLUBS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.
Diane Scavuzzo: Helping kids take criticism constructively is hard enough without the pressure from a typical soccer parent. How and when should a parent offer constructive criticism?
Jason Pratt: Parents should not offer constructive criticism until they have asked their child if he/she is interested in having the discussion and if now is a good time.
Allowing the youth soccer player to provide this feedback will give the child the all-important feeling of control. It will also go a long way towards avoiding an unproductive and friction-creating conversation.
IF YOUR GOAL — AS THE PARENT IS TO HELP — THEN ISN’T IT A NO-BRAINER TO BE BETTER?
That’s the key – you’re not trying to make the point that wins the day. Get into the mindset of what you can do to help this person you care about. It’s not about you.
One recommendation on “how” I would like to share with all parents is to start the process by asking the child his/her thoughts about the topic or situation. Start with the child’s perspective, remember your goals in the conversation, and then decide where to take the conversation from there.
Put them in control, let them be heard, and let the focused outcome be based around what THEY would need or want and not what we parents just absolutely feel like we must say!
One recommendation on “how” I would like to share with all parents is to start the process by asking the child his/her thoughts about the topic or situation. Start with the child’s perspective, remember your goals in the conversation, and then decide where to take the conversation from there.
Put them in control, let them be heard, and let the focused outcome be based around what THEY would need or want and not what we parents just absolutely feel like we must say!
Diane Scavuzzo: What to do if your spouse is “that” embarrassing soccer parent screaming from the sideline?
Jason Pratt: You’re trying to get me in trouble here with couples all across America, aren’t you? A few quick thoughts:
Bring a lollipop with you to the game and be sure to offer it to him/her — it is hard to be too focal while enjoying your candy.
- Assign — or have the coach assign — this person a task such as tracking number of passes throughout the game – this kind of distraction makes it tough to be vocal during the game, although it doesn’t solve the post-game issues it can work very well to minimize sideline behavior.
- Worst case scenario – get me involved – I love a good challenge!
Jason Pratt is the Founder of ProConnect Sports (supporters include Jeff Tipping) and Partnership Manager for Positive Coaching Alliance (supporters include Claudio Reyna). Pratt has previously served as Director of Coaching for Boyertown Soccer Club and Director of Operations for Paul Riley’s Women’s Professional Supergroup, along with being a past clinician at United Soccer Coaches conventions and a Congressional Panel Member on the power of youth sports within a community.
