Raising successful soccer players is an incredibly rewarding journey, but it definitely takes passion, dedication, and some thoughtful guidance along the way.
As a proud soccer dad myself, I’ve seen firsthand how my own kids have grown into skilled players. I remember when my son, Adam, was just starting out. He was unsure of himself on the field, hesitant with the ball, and I could see his love for soccer fading. But with some consistent effort, focusing on the basics, and keeping things fun at home, I watched him gain confidence and rediscover his passion for the game.
From my own experiences, I’ve picked up a few tips I’d love to share to help other parents nurture their kids’ soccer skills. By creating a soccer-friendly environment at home, focusing on the fundamentals, and encouraging them to take on challenges, you’ll help set a strong foundation for your child to reach their full potential.
1. Develop a soccer culture at home:
To lay the foundation for soccer excellence, it’s all about making the sport a part of your family life. I’ve seen this work firsthand with my sons, Matthew and Adam. Matthew always looked up to Adam, especially when it came to soccer.
Adam was the one with all the skills, and Matthew would always want to join in on our backyard games, trying to keep up. Those moments became some of the best times for all of us—just having fun together, while building a positive, supportive atmosphere around the game.
Keep multiple balls readily available throughout the house, encouraging regular juggling, dribbling, and manipulation exercises.
We kept balls all over the house so that whenever there was a free minute, the boys were juggling, dribbling, or messing around with the ball. It wasn’t about formal practice—it was about getting comfortable with the ball and improving without any pressure.
By making soccer something fun and easy to do at home, you’re not just improving their skills, but helping them build a real love for the game—just like Matthew did by watching his big brother Adam.
To lay the foundation for soccer excellence, integrate the sport into your family life. Encourage backyard games, fostering a fun and supportive environment for your kids to enjoy soccer with parents and siblings.
2. Follow and watch soccer:
I’ll admit, maybe I shouldn’t have done this, but back in 2015, when my kids were in elementary school, I picked them up early from school just so we could watch the Champions League final between Man City and Barcelona.
It wasn’t the most “school-friendly” decision, but seeing their excitement as we watched such a prestigious match together was totally worth it. The energy of the game, the skill on display, and the atmosphere—it was a memory we’ll all treasure.
This experience really showed me the value of immersing your family in the soccer world. Watching games together, whether on TV or in person, can create special moments that deepen your love for the sport. It’s not just about the result, but the excitement, the energy, and the lessons learned from watching top-level players in action. My kids picked up things they wanted to try on the field themselves, and it gave them a new level of appreciation for the game.
Watching these matches together has been one of the best ways to fuel their passion and inspire them to push themselves as players.
3. Focus on technical skills:
Technical proficiency forms the core of a great soccer player. I saw this firsthand as I watched my son, Adam, grow as a player. When he was younger, he struggled with confidence on the field, unsure of how to handle the ball in tight situations. But over time, through consistent practice and focusing on the fundamentals, I saw him develop the skills that turned him into a more confident and capable player.
It was watching Adam’s growth that inspired me to create Anytime Soccer Training—a resource that helps parents like me support their kids’ technical development at home.
Encourage your children to prioritize developing their technical abilities. Make it a goal to learn and practice a new skill every week, continuously expanding their repertoire. Whether it’s mastering a new dribbling move or improving passing accuracy, small improvements add up.
Supplement club soccer activities with home practice sessions. Teach your kids to dribble not only forward but also backward, broadening their skill set.
I found that the more Adam practiced on his own, the more his confidence grew on the field. And today, online resources like Anytime Soccer Training can be a great tool to support those at-home sessions, giving you structured guidance to complement what they’re learning at their club.
Related: 7 C's of Dribbling
4. Track performance statistics:
Encourage your coaches to keep track of key statistics during matches. This practice offers valuable insights into individual performance, helping players gauge their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Furthermore, involving parents in this process can keep them engaged and supportive on the sidelines.
5. Avoid “boot ball” playing style:
Steer clear of playing styles that prioritize long balls and clearing lines, commonly referred to as “boot ball.” Such approaches hinder skill development and waste precious training time.
Instead, seek teams that emphasize building from the back, allowing players to showcase their technical prowess and elevate their overall performance.
6. Play in small-sided games (often):
Regularly participate in small-sided games such as street soccer, 3-a-side matches, and futsal. These formats provide ample opportunities for players to hone their skills, improve decision-making, and showcase their abilities in a fast-paced and competitive environment.
7. Consider joining ethnic leagues
By considering participation in these ethnic leagues, you can expose your young soccer players to a rich tapestry of cultural influences while sharpening their skills in a competitive environment.
It’s a fantastic way to broaden their horizons and enhance their overall soccer development.
8. Recognize the limitations of club soccer:
While club soccer plays a vital role in player development, it should not be solely relied upon.
Despite the club’s success and participation in renowned programs, it is important to acknowledge that player development may not be their primary focus.
To reach the highest levels of the game, players must supplement club activities with individual training, seeking additional opportunities to refine their technical skills.
9. Embrace hard work and challenges:
Preparing young soccer players for success entails instilling a strong work ethic and resilience. Encourage your children to put in the extra effort and train diligently on their own.
There is no substitute for the countless hours of practice needed to refine their skills and develop the necessary muscle memory.
Embrace discomfort by encouraging them to participate in ethnic leagues with players from different backgrounds, exposing them to diverse playing styles, and increasing their adaptability.
In summary, as a soccer dad who has successfully raised talented soccer players, I’ve learned that creating a soccer culture at home, focusing on technical skills, and watching and following the sport passionately are essential. It’s crucial to avoid distractions and “boot ball” playing styles while actively engaging in small-sided games.
Additionally, understanding the limitations of club soccer and embracing hard work, discomfort, and challenges will contribute to the development of exceptional soccer players.
By implementing these insights, you can guide your children towards achieving their goals on the soccer field and set them on the path to soccer greatness.
Become a better soccer player with Anytime Soccer Training for free and forget about searching the internet for drills.
