SPARTA SOCCER CLUB
TRAVEL TEAM PHILOSOPHY

To afford the opportunity for qualified players with a higher level of commitment to develop their soccer skills and play at a competitive level.

SPARTA SOCCER CLUB
TOWN LEAGUE PHILOSOPHY

To provide the children of Sparta the opportunity to not only learn the game of soccer, but to learn the value of good sportsmanship and healthy competition. We encourage each player to strive to play their best, but also want them to learn that their success is not measured solely by wins and losses.

GENERAL GUIDELINES
PARENTS, PLAYERS AND COACHES

PARENTS:

  • The primary reason children play soccer is to have fun, not so much to win or to be with their friends.

  • Demand that your child play fairly, within the rules of the game.

  • Help the coaches in any way possible. Remember, they are volunteers and usually parents too.

  • Don’t make negative comments to any child, especially your own. Understand that when one of the players makes a mistake, he didn’t do it on purpose; your method of correction should reflect that.

  • Praise the effort of every player; the lesser skilled players are just as important as the superstars.

  • Be a parent who leads by example. Don’t say one thing and do another.

PLAYERS:

  • Always play fairly within the rules.

  • Maintain poise under difficult conditions. It’s very easy to maintain composure when things go right; when they don’t, real athletes step forward and stand up to the test.

  • Control your emotions, even if you feel your opponent is playing unfairly.

  • Support and encourage your teammates at all times. Any mistakes they make are surely not done on purpose.

  • Play as hard as you can in practice and in games. Don’t let your teammates down because of your lack of effort.

  • Show respect to your coaches and referees. Without them you would not be playing the game.

COACHES:

  • Kids play soccer to have fun, so any decision you make concerning them should reflect that.

  • Be a knowledgeable coach. Read about soccer; discuss soccer with other coaches; go to clinics. You must know what you’re talking about.

  • Demand that your players play within the rules of the game. If they win dishonestly, they haven’t won at all.

  • Set a positive example for your players. Respect isn’t given to anyone; it must be earned.

  • The safety of your players must be a priority. Don’t take chances with their health or well-being. Winning the game means little when compared to overall safety.

  • Respect the opposing team and the referees, whether you approve of their actions or not.

 

 

Taken from "Coaching Kids to Play Soccer" by Jim San Marco and Kurt Aschermann

 

 

 

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