Helping Your Child Adjust to Playing on a New Team

Parent Question:  “We have just moved, and my son will be playing with a new club and team. How do I help him prepare and adjust to the new environment?”

Expert Responses

We received six expert responses from Youth Coach Advisory Group members
Frank Gurnik, Allie Galoob, Cat Ruesch, Danielle Fagan, Lula Bauer, & Tom Turner.

Great questions! We have a fair number of new players moving into our area of the country and here are the things I typically discuss with them.

1. Start with a healthy conversation about moving. Kids at times think the world is ending, they are losing friends / teammates, and it can be very challenging for them. Don’t take the “suck it up buttercup approach” Let your child express their emotions and then validate them. You as a parent may have some of the same feelings and emotions. In the end new friends and experiences will happen.
2. Soccer. Make sure to research the soccer in the new community you are moving to. I am high on reaching out to the Club’s DOC and have a conversation about the club with specificity around player development philosophy and pathway for the player. I also recommend researching the staff and how long they have been with the club and what their coaching experience has been. I do not always rely on licensure because at the end of the day we have people with motor vehicle licenses who should not be on the road similarly, I know of ‘A’ licensed coaches I would not have coach my child and conversely, I know of some coaches who have no coaching licensure that I would kill to have coach my kid.
           A.  Once a club is chosen and you have made the team, arrange an opportunity to meet the coach and maybe the Team Manager so that everyone knows each other and expectations can be set for the season.
           B.  Try to integrate yourself into the team’s DNA by going to any open kick-arounds camps / clinics to meet the players and club mates.
           C.  Help your child set realistic goals. Initially the team and coach may take a little time to adjust to. Be patient and let the process take care of itself.
    
3. Training – Be prepared, be early, stay late, and be willing to help set-up / tear down the equipment.
           A.  Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself and join any activity the players may be doing, i.e. juggling / rondos.
           B.  Work on footwork and touches during the time before or after the session.
           C.  Socialize with the players during breaks and when on the bench. Be a cheerleader when on and off the field.
    
4. Build relationships beyond the team experience. Encourage him to pursue other interests and build friendships outside the team.
5. Be patient. Transition takes time. It’s a marathon not a sprint. It is a journey filled with ebbs and flow. Learning is not linear there will be times for celebrating and times for adversity.
   
   By following these tips and providing consistent love and support, you can help your son / daughter successfully transition to their new sports club and team, allowing them to focus on enjoying the game and building new friendships in the process

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