Training & Game Guide

Training is compulsory and not optional. Non-attendance could result in loss of game time. Training is made compulsory as it is unfair on the coaches who are volunteers, and fellow team mates that put in the effort. If your child is sick, it is vital your coach is contacted as soon as possible, especially on game days.

Soccer club training information

Training is compulsory. It is not optional.
Be punctual when arriving with your child for training.
Ensure they are properly dressed for play in boots and shin guards.
Appropriate clothing for hot or cold weather should be worn and should be clearly labeled with their name.
They bring a water bottle to ensure hydration.

Learn more about 'before the game'

Learn about appropriate foods for meals before play. Pasta is an excellent choice. Make sure they eat a wholesome breakfast if they have a morning game.
Get them into the habits of drinking lots of water in the hours before the game.
Make your child responsible for packing and cleaning their playing kit.
Away games are an adventure for the small child. Show them the route map and make the journey part of the experience.
Talk about soccer on the way to the field.
Be positive about the Coach, Manager and other players in the team.

Learn more about 'during the game'

Try not to tell them what to do when they have the ball. You may be surprised at their capability.
Don’t yell their name incessantly. It embarrasses the child and suggest you are not watching the whole game.
Make a mental note of any good plays by your child. Save them for the journey home.
Do not dispute any decisions by the referees.
Do not respond to any adverse comments by others.

Learn more about 'after the game'

Greet your child with a big smile, whatever the result of the game
Before you leave, check you and your child had have all the property and clothing you bought with you.
Acknowledge defeats as unfortunate but move on quickly to those mental notes of your child’s good plays. Deflect and diffuse any criticism of other players if mentioned by your child. Change the subject from soccer to the rest of the day’s activities as soon as possible, especially after a loss.
Require your child to clean his or her soccer boots when you arrive home – they will last longer and help them to develop personal responsibility.
Your child is building his bank of childhood memories. You may think it worth keeping a record book for the future of games played, goals scored, etc.

Carnivals guide

If your team is entered in an all day carnival during which results are recorded, do not place greater emphasis on the importance of the day, or the results of the games.
Stay with your usual routine based on your approach to everyday games.
Be extra careful with nutrition and hydration. It is important to drink plenty of water in the hours before the day since your child will play several games in a short space of time.
The emotions of spectators will be higher than usual. Be careful not to become involved in any disputes.

Divisional games and finals

Results of all divisional games (Under 11 and above) are recorded to decide Gold Coast Soccer champions and runners up. Emotions run high at times and cheers and groans are a natural outcome. Audible criticism of players or officials is not acceptable and against our Code of Conduct. In any sense they are an incitement to others, including impressionable young players. The club does not accept this kind of behaviour.
Whilst we find it easy to ask for three cheers for opponents, it is reasonable to suggest that we make a point of thanking the referee and assistants at the end of each game.

Discipline in the game

Team coaches are asked to set behaviour boundaries for their players. As a general rule we use “time out” to discipline players at training sessions. If any incident occurs between your child and his coach that you are not happy with, we ask that you try to resolve it together in an adult manner away from the players. If this fails you should report the matter as soon as possible to a Committee Representative. The club has adopted a Disciplinary Committee to deal with any issues.
Try not to discipline your child be keeping them away from soccer. You may be inconveniencing the team.

If you are unhappy about any aspect of the above information or have any improvement suggestions, please feel free to speak to a Committee Member.