Lasting motivation

It is January 2021 (COVID-19 still around), and I already spoke to over 48 parents from around the US who said that their kids will quit soccer (ages 10-17),

10-year-old quitting soccer already? You do not have to be a Sport psychologist to see there is something wrong. I’m sure we all can point out tons of reasons why kids quit.

Long-lasting motivation is a vital part of any athlete’s success

MOTIVATION is only temporary… For example, athletes who listen to music before games or competitions to get motivated but once the music is OFF the motivation disappears & all is left is butterflies. By the way, I’m not saying music is bad. In fact, I recommend it, but in this case motivation (music) is only temporary.

One of the biggest motivating factors for kids doing any sports is because they LOVE IT.

“You must have a real reason to be motivated to do anything”

However, there are a variety of factors that have completely turned away amateur goalkeepers or athletes from soccer such as parents behavior, club’s attitudes towards athlete, peers, uncaring coaches & TRAINING environment.

Let me quickly cover a few demotivating factors:

Overbearing parents will discourage any young athlete from enjoying the sport. Parents may have good intentions, but it can be very annoying to the young athlete.
Youth clubs: Many clubs today will focus only on BETTER goalkeepers or field players who are more athletic. While the other goalkeepers become just a number.
Youth clubs = money. When a massive amount of money is involved then priority starts to shift around.
Coaches: Many coaches demand respect simply because they are in a position of POWER. While others will do anything to help the athlete improve.
Training environment: Are young soccer players actually IMPROVING in their club or private training? Or are they just staying busy? A challenging & positive training environment is a crucial part of an amateur goalkeeper.

Parents know their kids very well. Sometimes kids will tell you what YOU want to hear.

However, If you pay attention to their club environment you will discover many interesting things. At the same time, look at their body language, listen to their tone of voice and pay attention to their energy level. If your child is no longer having fun, and they look like as if they are “forced” to play soccer then that’s a problem., YOU WILL KNOW IT.

Once a young soccer player or any amateur athletes reach the point where they no longer are happy playing sports, it’s almost too late & nearly impossible to help them change their minds.

Here’s the “good news” adults/parents/coaches/youth soccer clubs can help kids stay motivated. We are responsible to create a true learning environment. Competition will always be there so there is no reason to make a 5-year-old be good at everything just to make adults look good.

Let the kids play the game FIRST!!!