Those media stories about bad behaviour on the touchlines at junior matches are all too true. The kids just want to play football, but sometimes adults can take it a bit too seriously and get carried away. At FCB we try to do it differently...

Too much tactical advice confuses children. Shouting negative comments just upsets them. Disputing the referee's decisions and getting into arguments unsettles and embarrasses them. We teach the kids to respect their opponents and the referee.
Adults need to set a good example!

Adults shouldn't be silent, though. Kids love it when adults praise them and it gives them a big confidence boost when adults encourage them. Especially after a mistake.

We remind them of good habits, but children need to learn to make their own decisions on the pitch. They won’t always make the right decisions, but as they grow in experience, confidence and ability, they’ll be able to think for themselves.

Confident kids have natural enthusiasm and creativity. They try out the skills we teach them and make up their own skills that we could never coach. They play with freedom. If you’ve ever played football or even if you’ve watched football, you’ll know that those moments of creativity are what it’s all about.