Touchline Behaviour: How Parents Can Best Support Their Child
Match day should be fun for young footballers. Pulling on their kit, seeing friends and playing the game they love is what football is all about — but what happens on the touchline can make a big difference to how children experience it.
As parents, support doesn’t mean shouting instructions. Often, less is more.
Why the Touchline Matters
Children hear and feel everything around them. Shouts, reactions and body language can affect their confidence, enjoyment and decision-making.
Positive behaviour helps children:
Play with confidence
Learn from mistakes
Enjoy the game without pressure
What Helps Most
The most helpful things parents can do are simple:
Encourage effort, not just goals
Applaud positive play from all players
Let the coach coach
Stay calm and supportive
A smile and a clap go a long way.
Why Shouting Instructions Can Backfire
Children are already thinking, running and reacting. Hearing instructions from the sideline can confuse them and stop them learning to make decisions for themselves.
Mistakes are part of development — and that’s okay.
Remember What Children Really Want
Most young players want to:
Feel supported
Enjoy themselves
Play without fear of getting things wrong
They don’t need tactical advice during a game.
We’re All on the Same Team
At SS United, we want football to be positive, enjoyable and confidence-building for every child. When parents and coaches work together, children get the best experience possible.
Encourage effort. Applaud bravery. Let them play.
That’s often the best support of all.