At Football Academy APOP Parekklisia, we are committed to creating the best possible environment for every young footballer. Our goal is to help kids grow not just as players, but as confident, happy individuals who love the game.
This month, our staff attended a scouting tournament where representatives from Panathinaikos and PAOK shared a message that every parent should hear.
💬 What the Scouts Told Us
One of the scouts said something powerful:
“Parents, don’t need to remind their child that they missed a chance to score or made a mistake — they already know. They felt it the moment it happened. They saw the ball go wide, heard the sighs of their teammates, and listened carefully when their coach gave them feedback. Saying it again on the car ride home only makes the moment heavier for them. What they truly need from the parents is not more analysis — they get plenty of that on the pitch — but a smile, a hug, and a simple: “Well done, I love watching you play.
Parents encouragement is what helps them bounce back, stay confident, and try again.”
This statement is a perfect reminder of why the parent’s role in football is so unique and important.
⚽ Why the Parent’s Role Matters So Much
Between the ages of 5 and 12, kids are developing their confidence, decision-making, and passion for the game. When adults focus too much on results or mistakes, children can start to feel anxious, afraid to try new things, or even lose their love for football.
Mistakes are not a sign of failure — they are the foundation of learning. At APOP Parekklisia, our coaches design sessions that encourage players to try, fail, and try again, because that is how they improve.
If you haven’t already, we invite you to read these related articles from our website:
- Leave the X’s and O’s to the Coaches – Your Job? Cheers, High-Fives and “Go Get ’Em!”
- Why Laughter Matters More Than Post-Game Critiques
- Fail More, Make More Mistakes
Each one reinforces the idea that football should be a positive, enjoyable journey, not just a scoreboard result.
🏡 The Parent’s Role – Practical Tips
Here are a few ways parents can make the biggest impact on their child’s football journey:
✅ Encourage, Don’t Criticize
Celebrate effort, attitude, and teamwork — not just goals and wins.
✅ Focus on Joy
Before asking “Did you win?”, ask “Did you have fun?”
✅ Support, Don’t Coach
Let our staff handle technical feedback — your role is to offer emotional support.
✅ Stay Patient
Every player develops at a different pace. Trust the process, even when progress feels slow.
✅ Celebrate Mistakes
Help your child see mistakes as a step forward, not a step back.
💡 Why We Are Raising This Again
This is not the first time we’ve talked about this topic at Football Academy APOP Parekklisia — and it won’t be the last. The parent’s role is so crucial that it deserves to be repeated again and again.
Every time we remind ourselves of these principles, we create a healthier, more supportive environment. That means kids who:
- Stay excited to come to training
- Develop confidence on and off the pitch
- Learn to handle challenges without fear
And in the long term, that’s how we build not only better players, but better people.
🤝 Together We Build the Future
At Football Academy APOP Parekklisia, we believe development is a team effort: players + parents + coaches.
When we each play our part, we give every child the chance to enjoy the game, grow as an athlete, and carry those lessons into life.
Let’s keep working together to give our kids what they need most: encouragement, patience, and a love for the game.