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The Soccer Parent Handbook

From the author Darren Laver

In all my years as a sports coach, and more recently as a sports psychology researcher, I have encountered many parents who want the best for their kids but cannot quite work out what is preventing them from achieving their dreams. They normally blame the coach because they are the professional in the relationship. I try to tell those parents that the coach is just one of the many forces that can ensure the success of a young athlete. In fact, the parent and the kid themselves have a lot to do with it. Typically, I will get this blank or surprised look, which might be tinged with a bit of irritation. Parents sometimes do not want to take responsibility when really they are the responsible ones. I have therefore decided to write this booklet to give parents a few tips on how and why they must be pillars for the success of their kids. I hope you enjoy the booklet and pick up a few tips from it.