Today isn't about winning

Today is about enjoying soccer and using what we practice. The score is not the point.

This is a friendly match. For the kids, it is a chance to take the choices they practiced in training and try them out in a real game. Winning or losing does not change what they learned today.

What we value in this match

What this team values is kids making their own decisions on the field and daring to try, rather than following commands or watching the scoreboard. Today I will not shout from the sideline about how they should play. I want to see them carry the judgment from training into the match.

How this differs from training

·A match is more tense than training, so kids may not play at their training level right away. That is completely normal.

·The opponents are unfamiliar, so kids need a little time to adjust. A slow start in the first few minutes is nothing to worry about.

·On the field there is no coach beside them prompting every move, so many choices come down to the child reading the moment. That is exactly the part we want training to carry into the match.

What we've been working on

July 24 · 1v1 DuelsJuly 22 · Passing Combos

In recent sessions we have been working on the rhythm of dribbling and scanning before a pass. The kids are already learning to look first and then choose when there is a defender, so this match is a great chance to put it to the test.

What we want to see in this match

·Lift the head and take a look before dribbling and deciding (building on the recent dribbling training)

·Check where teammates are before passing (building on the recent passing and receiving training)

·Win the ball back right away after losing it, instead of standing and complaining

Scenes you'll see during the match

The child freezes for a moment on the field and does not get the ball

Looks like: Are they afraid of contact, hanging back

✅Against unfamiliar opponents, a brief hesitation is normal. They are adjusting to the pace of the match, so give them a little time.

They pass a ball they could have shot to a teammate

Looks like: Are they too timid to take the shot themselves

✅They saw the teammate was in a better spot and chose to pass. That is a smart team decision, and it deserves more praise than forcing a shot.

A defender takes the ball off the child while they are dribbling

Looks like: Do they love dribbling too much, should they have passed sooner

✅Daring to try to dribble past someone in a real match is exactly what we want to see. Losing the ball is part of learning, and what matters is that they dared to make that choice.

How to support from the sideline

✕Do not shout pass or shoot from the sideline: let the child read the field themselves

✕Do not fixate on the score: how they play today matters more than how many they score

✕Do not sigh or shake your head when they lose the ball or make a mistake: it makes them afraid to try again next time

✓Applaud the tackles and the running: this is the effort that most deserves to be seen

✓After the game, ask how they felt first: then talk about the specifics on the field

✓Cheer them on for daring to dribble, change direction, and make choices: it is worth praising even when it does not come off

What to say to your child before the match

Just enjoy today and use what you practiced in training. That is enough.

No matter the result, daring to try is the best thing of all.

Just lift your head to look around and make your own decisions out there, and mom and dad are already happy.

Do not ask the child before the game to be sure to win or to score a certain number of goals.

Progress signals to watch this match

Look around before receiving the ballWin the ball back on the spot after losing itDares to make team choicesBravely changes direction on the dribble

Useful info

TimeSat, July 25 10:00

OpponentOpponent

VenueOlympic Stadium