Winning Isn’t the Only Thing: How to Support a Player Without Adding Pressure

Sports are fun…until they aren’t. While many kids join the game because they love competition, sports, and camaraderie, pressure can ruin the experience. To promote encouragement without creating stress, consider the following:

💯 Give an A for Effort

One of the most common mistakes when cheering on young athletes is focusing on results rather than effort. It’s understandable why this happens; with an emphasis on winning, trying can get overlooked. However, shifting focus to hustle, hard work, and resilience is more effective than just looking at the scoreboard. 

🗣️ Be Receptive to How Your Child Feels

Burning out from sports is a common issue among previously dedicated athletes. The early mornings, busy weekends, and skill training can add up, causing players to hang up their cleats for good. To prevent this burnout, check in on how your child is doing. Ask them open-ended questions and listen carefully when they respond. 

🧘 Respect Boundaries

Boundaries vary from person to person, as each individual determines what boundaries to set. Even so, if you want to be respectful of boundaries, consider doing the following:

• Allow your player to foster a relationship with their coach and teammates without interfering 

• Give your child space to train without you watching

• Allow your child to decide what skills and drills they want to work on

• Encourage them to listen to their body and take days off when rest is needed

🤝 Behave on Game Day

Most caregivers have seen an adult misbehave on the sideline, yelling at the ref, the coach, or, worse, their own child. While it probably goes without saying to avoid any temper tantrums on the pitch, you’ll reduce stress even more by keeping game day low-key. In other words, the bigger deal you make it, the more pressure your child will feel. 

🎉 Focus on Who Your Child is Outside of The Game

Being a player is just one part of your child’s identity; they might also be a star student, a great friend, an artist, or an excellent cook. Focusing only on their athletic side can make them feel like they are only “one” thing, increasing pressure to excel at that one thing. In short, don’t celebrate your child just as a player; celebrate them as a full person.

👟 Quick Summary Takeaway

- DO:  Let your child set boundaries, choose their own training, and focus on effort rather than achievements. 

- DON'T: Make game day a big deal, interfere with your child’s training or soccer relationships, or ignore your child’s feelings.

Bottom line: Pressure is often the “it” factor, something that can ruin the love of the game when it becomes too much. These tips help you motivate your player toward success without making them feel as if the game is their whole world. 

At PTJ Shoes, we strive to empower players of all levels to embrace their individuality and play confidently. We pride ourselves on being a brand driven by passion, rooted in family values, and created for the next generation of game-changers. Check out our elite collection of cleats here.