Parental Involvement & Expectations

It is our objective to create a safe environment where your child will experience soccer in non-competitive yet fun and positive way. Our ultimate goal is to hold the attention of all participants for the duration of each session, without the assistance of parents. This works best and is most quickly achieved (usually a few weeks into the season) when children trust and enjoy the Soccer Shots coach. We welcome your necessary involvement in helping your child engage in Soccer Shots and are including some helpful tips on parental involvement for the Mini and Classic level programs this season:

Involvement During Mini Sessions (ages 2 to 3):

Parental participation is encouraged for this age group. We encourage a decent amount of parental involvement for the Mini sessions so as to help the little ones feel comfortable in a new environment with new people. We ask that parents come into the playing field and walk through the games and drills that we do. This helps the kiddos get the most out of the sessions and helps to avoid distractions and loss of focus. It makes for a really great time where everyone is involved!

Coaches will be engaging Soccer Shots players in games and activities. Our program and curriculum have enjoyed much success with young children, but the first few classes can be a bit of an adjustment period for the little ones. Please just keep this in mind and encourage them to participate, even if you have to come out onto the playing field and walk/carry them through it! It is age appropriate for kids (especially in the Mini group) to be distracted and need extra encouragement from parents and families members in order to participate and to listen to the coach. If your child "takes off" from the field, it is the parent’s / guardian's responsibility to bring them back to the field and help to get them involved once again. We also request your assistance in helping your child(ren) respect and preserve Soccer Shots equipment such as cones, goals, and rings.

Involvement During Classic Sessions (ages 3 to 5):

For Classic level sessions, we ask that parents be involved to the extent that their child is comfortably able to engage in the session. This often takes the form of holding your child's hand during the session if he/she is hesitant, or walking through the games if that is what they need to give soccer a try! That being said, some children do not require much assistance from parents to play the games, listen to the coach, stay on the field, etc., but we do find that parental involvement is helpful in instances where a child may need help staying engaged, following directions, etc. Patience and encouragement from everyone will help to create a positive experience for your child and your family.

It is age appropriate for kids to be distracted from time to time. If your child "takes off" from the field, it is the parent’s / guardian's responsibility to bring them back to the field and help to get them involved once again. With the Classic level program, we also request your assistance in helping your child(ren) respect and preserve Soccer Shots equipment such as cones, goals, and rings.