BE A SUPPORTIVE SOCCER PARENT

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?

• Children like to be encouraged.

  Whether they have had success during their game or whether they did not, regardless of the level of skill or time on the field, support them.

• Be your child's number one fan:

  Cheer, encourage, and be a positive presence. Your support is more valuable than coaching from the sidelines.

• Focus on effort and sportsmanship:

  Celebrate your child's effort and positive attitude, regardless of the outcome of the game.

• Communicate respectfully:

  If you have a concern, approach the coach directly outside of the game to discuss it. Prepare your questions and be respectful of the coach's time and philosophy.

• Teach your child to follow the coach:

  Encourage your child to listen to and trust their coach. You can practice with them at home, but always reinforce that the coach is in charge during practices and games.

WHY DO CHILDREN LOVE SOCCER?

• To have lots of fun.

• To make new friends.

• To retain current friendships.

• To learn a sport.

• To get better.

• To increase self-esteem..

• To wear the kit.

• To be part of a team.

BE A ROLE MODEL

• Be respectful during the games and practices in your communication and cheering.

• Respect the opposing players and their parents.

• Show respect to the referees and be respectful of their decisions, even if you disagree with them.

• REMEMBER:

  • These are little kids.

  • This is a game.

  • The coaches & referees are Humans.

  • We are doing this for the kids.

Winning vs development

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THESE VALUES ARE LIVED OUT BY YOUR COACHES?

From an early age, our focus is never purely on results. We avoid placing pressure on players between the ages of seven and thirteen to win, allowing them the freedom to grow, learn, and enjoy the game. While everyone enjoys winning and the positive feelings that come with it, Southeast Tigers FC prioritizes enjoyment, hard work, and healthy competition above all else.

By creating a supportive and positive club culture, success on the field often follows naturally. Our coaches are encouraged to stay committed to the club’s coaching principles and to focus on long-term player development rather than short-term results.

DO YOU HAVE THOUGHTS ABOUT WINNING AND DEVELOPMENT?

At Southeast Tigers FC, we believe coaches and clubs should not shy away from conversations about winning. Winning is an important part of a player’s development and progression as they grow. Just as importantly, young players must learn how to handle both success and disappointment, as valuable lessons are often learned through defeat as much as through victory.

When our teams win, the focus is not solely on the result. Instead, we emphasize playing the game the right way and continuing to improve. A “win at all costs” mentality can place unnecessary pressure on young players and may lead teams away from the principles and style of play we want to encourage. At Southeast Tigers FC, player development always comes first, and this is something we consistently communicate to both players and parents.

HOW IMPORTANT IS WINNING?

Winning can play an important role in development, depending on a player’s age and stage of growth. For younger players, especially, success can help build confidence, self-belief, and a sense of achievement within the team environment. Southeast Tigers FC believes that developing a winning mentality is valuable when it means players consistently giving their best effort and striving to improve.

However, success is not defined solely by the final score. True success comes from the effort, attitude, and commitment shown during the game. Winning can certainly help create a positive environment when handled appropriately by coaches, but development and strong values must always remain the priority.

WINNING MATTERS. DEVELOPMENT MATTERS MORE.

Both are important. Every game has a result, with one team winning and another losing. But what does winning really mean? Is it simply having the higher score in a U7 match? Is winning defined by a large scoreline? For some, perhaps it is.

At Southeast Tigers FC, we see development as the ultimate form of success. A winning mentality means having players who are motivated, determined, and committed to improving every aspect of their game. We aim to inspire young athletes to work hard, stay hungry to learn, and constantly challenge themselves to improve.

Competition is an important part of soccer, and we encourage all our players to embrace it positively. Effort, enjoyment, and personal growth are non-negotiable values within our club, while every experience on the field—whether winning or losing—is viewed as an important part of the learning journey.

LEAVE THE COACHING TO THE COACHES

Let coaches handle coaching, as shouting instructions from the sidelines can cause confusion for the child and undermine the coach's authority. Parents can best support their child by being their biggest fan, offering emotional support, and encouraging them, while trusting that the coach is responsible for teaching the team the game.

At SE TIGERS FC, parents have a voice

We do not want parents to feel that they have no voice at SE TIGERS FC. We encourage parents to contact us if they have any concerns or suggestions.

Please follow the steps below to direct your inquiries or find answers to your questions.

• Policy-related questions: Please review our Rules & Policies under the "Rules" tab.

• Coaching-related questions: Speak to your coach respectfully regarding any training & coaching philosophy-related questions.

• If you still have policy-related questions or are not satisfied with the coach's answer, please email us at the following addresses:

  Registrations / policies related inquiries: admin@setigers.ca

  Training / coaching related inquiries: technical@setigers.ca

  Other / sponsorship inquiries: program@setigers.ca