I’m a soccer dad. I train my two boys at home. And if you’re the kind of parent who does the same, then you already know what’s coming—criticism, side-eyes, and a bunch of lazy stereotypes.

People love to say we’re “crazy soccer parents” or that we’re “living through our kids.”

But here’s the truth: helping my boys with soccer at home isn’t about me. It’s about them. It’s about giving them confidence, extra touches, and more fun in the game they love.

 

So let’s get real about why I do it, the stereotypes I hear all the time, and yes—the small grain of truth in some of it.

 

Why I Train My Sons at Home

Soccer is a skill sport. If you don’t touch the ball outside of practice, you’ll never get ahead. Team training just doesn’t give kids enough reps—too many lines, too much waiting, too much standing around.

At home, my boys get hundreds of touches in just 15 minutes. That builds confidence, creativity, and comfort on the ball. And it makes practice and games more fun because they’re not afraid to try things.

Now, could I hire a private trainer? Sure—if I wanted to fork over $40 to $100 an hour.

 

But I’d rather roll up my sleeves, go in the backyard, and be a part of their journey because those moments matter. And honestly—they’re memories I’ll never get back.

 

I put together the top five stereotypes I hear all the time, along with some recommendations for parent-trainers and team managers.

 

“You’re Trying to Turn Your Kid Pro”

Help your kid with their weak foot, and suddenly you’re raising the next Messi. If I help with math homework, does that mean I’m raising the next Einstein?

 

In my podcast episode “Raising the Next Messi? Dreams vs Expectations,” I dive into how parents can balance big dreams for their kids with the reality of what it takes. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

 

 

Here’s the deal: I’ll never put a ceiling on my kids. The world does that enough already. My job is to support them, be honest about the odds, and let them dream without limits.

 

“No Days Off”

This one kills me. Train a few times a week with your kid, and you’re branded the “No Days Off” dad.

Reality check: We actually have more time to rest because we’re not spending hours commuting to private trainers.

Of course, I watch their training load. I know when they’re tired. I listen when they say they need a break. That’s my job as their dad.

 

In my podcast episode A Deep Conversation on Early Specialization & Overuse Injuries, I sat down with Joseph Janosky, MS, PT, ATC—Director of the Sports Safety Program at HSS | Hospital for Special Surgery—to unpack the risks of early specialization and how to prevent overuse injuries.

 

Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts.

 

 

Also, download my definitive guide to in-home training to see the full training calendar, including the actual hours my sons have spent on the ball.

 

“You Don’t Know What You’re Doing”

Here’s a hot take: you don’t need a UEFA Pro License to pass the ball to your son. We’re not running Manchester City Academy in the backyard—we’re just building habits and extra skills.

 

 

And guess what? Habits matter. Ball at their feet. Touches every day. Confidence on the ball. That’s the whole game.

 

“You Don’t Trust the Coach”

Wrong. I actually do trust my kids’ coaches. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have them in that club. But even the best coaches can’t give each kid enough ball time in a few practices a week. That’s where I step in.

 

In this podcast, I shared some of the things I really value about my son’s club.

 

 

It’s not about undermining the coach. It’s about reinforcing the work and filling in the gaps.

 

“You’re Living Through Your Kids”

This is the one people throw around the most. It’s easy. It’s lazy. And it’s usually wrong.

 

Am I proud of my kids? Absolutely. Do I want them to succeed? Of course. But I don’t need to live through them. I already had my life. This is theirs.

 

What I am doing is investing my time in them. I’d rather be in the driveway juggling or playing 1v1 than sitting on the couch scrolling my phone. If that bothers you, that’s your problem.

 

A Quick Reality Check

Now, let me be fair. Not every stereotype is complete nonsense. Some parents do push too hard. Some make it about themselves. Some lose sight of the big picture.

 

In my podcast episode Are You Focused on the Wrong Things, I broke down the key areas where parent-trainers can have the biggest impact on their child’s skill development. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

 

 

That’s why I always say: we’ve got to stay reflective. Check your own behavior. Ask yourself:

 

  • Am I making this fun?
  • Am I listening to my kid?
  • Am I strengthening our relationship—or straining it?

 

That’s the reason I launched my podcast, The Inside Scoop. It’s built for parents like us—those who train their kids at home but want to do it right.

 

Check out this early episode, “Soccer [Training] Starts at Home,” and follow me on the journey.

 

The Reality

At the end of the day, training with my sons has nothing to do with proving anyone wrong. It’s about confidence, connection, and joy.

 

You want the truth? My boys smile when we play. That’s all the proof I need.

 

Sideline Survival Kit for Team Managers

If you made it this far, chances are you’re not just a parent—you’re the team manager too. Snacks, rosters, hauling gear, setting up camp… it’s a grind.

 

 

Must-Haves for Parent-Trainers

If you’re out there training with your kid, here are three essentials that keep things simple and effective:

 

 

Final Word

So yeah, I’m a soccer dad. I train my sons at home. I manage teams. I carry gear. And yeah, sometimes I catch heat for it. But here’s the thing:

 

My kids are smiling, learning, and growing. And I wouldn’t trade our backyard sessions for anything.

 

That’s the whole point.