A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
Tallebudgera Valley Football Club is a place where children and teenagers in our community learn, play, and enjoy soccer. Our goal is to give every young player the chance to develop a passion for the game while ensuring that all players receive equal playing time. For those with extra talent, we also offer pathways to higher levels through representative teams.
How Can You Help?
Setting a positive example is key. You already know that children need good role models, and we all have moments when our emotions get the best of us. Remember:
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Let Them Play: Leave the coaching to the professionals and simply cheer them on. After all, it's their playtime!
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Keep It Positive: Avoid heated arguments or insults during the game. When referees, coaches, or players make mistakes (and they will), controlling our emotions benefits everyone.
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Support the Whole Team: Cheer for the entire team, applaud the efforts of opponents, and thank the match officials. Their contributions make the game possible.
The Right Kind of Support
Now in its 13th year, our club is proud of the achievements and facilities we’ve built together. We deeply appreciate the hard work of parents and the generous support of our sponsors. As beneficiaries of their dedication, it’s our shared responsibility to preserve our club’s reputation for good conduct and sportsmanship.
Soccer isn’t just about the game—it’s a vehicle for life skills. Whether or not your child becomes a highly paid soccer star, they will grow into an adult equipped with:
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Teamwork & Friendship: Building strong relationships on and off the field.
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Improved Motor & Problem-Solving Skills: Learning through play and structured activities.
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Resilience: Experiencing the joy of winning and the lessons of losing gracefully.
Every word and action leaves a lasting impression on our children. Our soccer team is about so much more than debating offside calls—it’s about nurturing life skills that extend well beyond the field.
At Training
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Training is compulsory. It is not optional.
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Be punctual when arriving with your child for training.
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Ensure they are properly dressed for play in boots and shin guards.
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Appropriate clothing for hot or cold weather should be worn and should be clearly labelled with their name.
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They bring a water bottle to ensure hydration.
Before the Game
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Learn about appropriate foods for meals before play. Pasta is an excellent choice. Make sure they eat a wholesome breakfast if they have a morning game.
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Get them into the habit of drinking lots of water in the hours before the game.
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Make your child responsible for packing and cleaning their playing kit.
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Away games are an adventure for small children. Show them the route map and make the journey part of the experience.
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Talk about soccer on the way to the field.
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Be positive about the coach, manager, and other players on the team.
During the Game
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​Try not to tell them what to do when they have the ball. You may be surprised by their capability.
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Don't yell their name incessantly. It embarrasses the child and suggests you are not watching the whole game.
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Make a mental note of any good plays by your child and save them for the journey home.
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Do not dispute any decisions made by the referees.
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Do not respond to any adverse comments from others.
After the Game
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​Greet your child with a big smile, whatever the result of the game.
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Before you leave, check that you and your child have all the property and clothing you brought with you.
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Acknowledge defeats as unfortunate, but move on quickly to your mental notes of your child's good plays. Deflect and diffuse any criticism of other players if mentioned by your child. Change the subject from soccer to the rest of the day's activities as soon as possible, especially after a loss.
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Require your child to clean their soccer boots when you arrive home – this will help them last longer and encourage personal responsibility.
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Your child is building their bank of childhood memories. You may find it worthwhile to keep a record book of games played, goals scored, etc., for the future.
