Practical tips for football parents

Has your child joined a football team? Are you wondering how you’re going to manage all the gear and extra activities? No problems, we’ve compiled some tips that’ll help you get organised and enjoy the game.

Whatever your family calls the game – soccer, football or round ball – it’s a great family activity. The kids will benefit from participating in a team sport and parents can get involved and connect with other parents.

Schools are busy places these days. The curriculum is jam packed and teachers may need to multitask between teaching and supporting sports programs. So, parents can play a big part in helping everyone to enjoy the game by volunteering to help out.

Getting kids to games on the weekends can add an extra layer of complexity to the lives of busy parents. So you’ll need to do some planning.

Ok, football parents, it’s time to mobilise. Let’s talk game strategy before we get down to the tactics. 

Imagine it’s a cold Saturday morning, everyone’s reluctant to get out of bed and no one knows where they’re playing.  

The solution is to be across what’s going on. Sounds obvious if you know the fixture details (game locations, the team they are playing against and the time) and have access to the manager, you’ll be setting your family up for a more organised football season.  It’s also helpful to know the other parents in the team just in case. You never know when your child will need a lift to the game when you can’t take them yourself. 

And when the weather is inclement the manager will be the one who’ll communicate to the team (often at the last minute) whether the game is cancelled due to bad weather and/or state of the field. Well organised managers will have everyone’s contacts on a group message like SMS, What’s App or Signal but in this game, you can never be too organised so be a proactive communicator. Knowledge is power after all. 

While we’re not packing for an expedition to scale Mt Everest, this game does require some gear. 

Most parents know the value of checklists as part of parenting. Schools supply stationery lists and lists for school excursions so let’s apply those list making skills to being a good football parent. 

It doesn’t matter if the list seems simple or obvious. When you’re busy and rushed in the morning lists really helps keep the family on the rails. One forgotten item can put some kids off their game, so preparation is key.

Involve the kids and put the lists around the house so they learn to plan and take ownership. Their list could include a ball, shin pads, boots, water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, clothes/shoes for after the game. 

No matter how well organised your child might be, parents still need to have a master list along with a list of stuff they’ll need like a camping chair, rug, jacket, hat and gloves and umbrella. For contingences you could pack wet wipes, tissues, towels and plastic bags for muddy boots. Plus, you may want to keep a first aid kit in the car including some of those ice packs that don’t require freezing, just in case.

You could put the master list on the back of the front door as a final check for everyone before you all head out to the field.

You may also need to add items that you’ve been rostered to provide like half-time oranges or post-game treats for the team.  Grab some “just in case” snacks and drinks. You never know when someone in the family will get the munchies and you might be returning with a carload of football friends – also more of that sunscreen.

And if you’re the team manager you could pack a hard copy of the roster so you can remind parents of who’s doing what in coming weeks and take down any last-minute changes quickly.

It’s amazing to see the many and varied ways football gear can get lost. Limit the stress by keeping it all together in a dedicated sports bag. Your child can have a bag inside their school backpack for games or practice sessions with all the bits, including a plastic bag for muddy boots. 

Let’s talk redundancy. An extra pair of football socks can help you in a rush when a sock has gone astray. Remember that in winter they typically take longer to dry than the uniform. So, consider buying a second pair for games and practice sessions. You could also get a cheaper second pair of shin pads just in case.

Some of the jobs that parents take on include acting as coach and/or manager of the team. Managers are often tasked with the admin including liaising with the local football federation (if it’s club football).

They may also do the roster to ensure all parents share the load of all the related jobs. These jobs can include running the sausage sizzle at the home games (who picks up the sausages, bread rolls, sauce, onions, drinks and ice), suppling those cut-up oranges for half time (along with a rubbish bag and possibly wipes for sticky fingers) or washing the teams’ shirts. 

Rosters and team communications these days work can be done on SMS and/or email. There are also a range of apps that can be viewed on parents’ phones and tablets. 

Sounds a bit much? It can be, that’s why it’s so important to share the load so everyone can have a great time. 

Any preparation you do as part of being a football parent will give you a return. There’ll be less stress, fewer tears and a chance to grab that coffee you’re craving on the way to the game. Ahh…

Here’s a sample timeline to help you along the way:

• After a match or practice session wash the clothes promptly to avoid ingrained stains and the risk of forgetting to do it in time. Remember those socks take a while to dry in winter and some synthetics aren’t great in the dryer. Put the clean items away straightaway to a designated location or back in the sports bag if appropriate.
• Day before the match or practice – double check the uniform or practice clothes are washed and ready along with any required kit.
• Night before – use your lists to check all items are in the sports bag, along with snacks for the trip. Pack the car if you’re confident all is sorted or leave by the front door for kids to double check themselves. 
• Morning of the game – feed the kids a solid breakfast and make sure they drink lots of water. 

Your child's team sport can bring out your own competitive spirit. This can get tricky. It's important to balance your enthusiasm with being an objective spectator. 

After all, at the end of the day it's only a game and you’re still parents. 

Do get involved – it’s fun. Who knows you might even meet some new friends on the sidelines that’ll enrich your football experience.

Want to get into the football spirit? Find out about football films and shows  you can watch to inspire your youngsters as well as some tips to host the best football watching party.  

Optus Sport is the only place to watch every match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023^TM Live and on demand.

Eligible Optus account holders can enjoy a subscription for just $6.99/month. Find out more at subhub.optus.com.au

Optus Sport subscriptions are also available for $24.99/month or grab an annual pass for $199.

Find out more sport.optus.com.au