One of the great things about youth soccer is that it isn't an expensive sport.  Here's what your child will need:

• Soccer Cleats - Soccer Cleats, unlike baseball or softball cleats, do not have a toe cleat.  Soccer cleats are short and made of rubber (metal cleats are not allowed). 
• Shin Guards - Soccer is definitely a contact sport.  Shin guards help reduce the change of injury to the shin (tibia), the third-most likely area of the body to be injured playing soccer, according to a recent study.  Players are required to wear shin guards during all practices and games.  Players will not be allowed to participate in training sessions or match play without them.
• Water bottle - Experts advise your child to drink fluids, preferably sports drinks, before, during and after practices and games, even in cold weather, to avoid dehydration. During the spring and summer months it is extremely important that players stay hydrated to avoid cramps or worse yet, heat illness.  Your child should have his/her own personal water bottle.  Coaches will provide adequate water breaks during training sessions and games for players.  Youth players need to be reminded to drink 5 to 9 ounces (10 to 18.5 "gulps") every 20 minutes during activity, depending on weight.  
• Jerseys - SWLASC will supply players with 2 jerseys which consist of 1 home (white) and 1 away (royal).
• Shorts and Socks - You will need to purchase black soccer shorts and long black socks that fully cover your child's shin guards for match play.  The brand does not matter.
• Practice t-shirts and shorts
• Soccer ball - Players will need to bring a soccer ball with them to each practice so please insure that your player has the correct size ball.  

        U6 to U8 players use a size 3 soccer ball 
        U9 to U12 players use a size 4 soccer ball
        U13 and up use a size 5 soccer ball

Learn the game.  Watch some soccer games other than your own player.  SWLASC has games from U5 to U16. Let the coaches coach.  One of the biggest complaints from coaches and parents alike is parents who constantly yell directives at the players from the sideline during games.  Soccer requires players to make quick decisions during the run of play.  If players make mistakes at the professional level, we guarantee that young players are going to make mistakes too.  The objective is to teach players to learn from both their successes and their failures equally. We promise that if there is something that needs to be addressed with a player, the coaches will handle it. Should the coaches need assistance from the parents, they will ask for it. Make certain your player has enough to drink - before, during and after practices and games. Help with snacks.  On game days, especially when teams will play multiple games in one day, players look forward  to snacks during the rest period.

Game days - Have your player arrive no later at the time specified by the coach ready for warm-ups.  Players should arrive wearing the correct jersey, black shorts, shin guards and black socks, but have their alternate jersey with them in case they need to change. Don't forget your drink.

Game time - Sit back, relax and let the players enjoy the game(s).  Feel free to clap, yell, hoot, holler and cheer for players of both teams.  Complement the players for on a job well done, regardless of whose team they are playing for. 

Remember that referees at this age are young and inexperienced and they will make mistakes.  They are also someone else's child. 

After the game, let your child know you enjoyed watching them play in the car ride home.  One of a child's biggest motivation to play any sport is to make their parents or team proud.  If the first words out of your mouth after a practice or game is, "You looked so slow out there", "You need to play better", or "I can't believe you missed that shot", you can watch a player's motivation dwindle rapidly to the point that regardless of how much talent or skill they may have, they will eventually give up playing altogether.  Keep your post-game remarks positive, not accusatory or questioning. 

Lastly, parents sometimes forget that the overwhelming majority of youth coaches in sports today are volunteers who are giving up their evenings and weekends to coach your player's team, and, without whom, teams would not exist.  Team chemistry is extremely important in the success of a team and extends well beyond the players on the field.  Rarely will a coach be unable to provide a suitable explanation and/or solution when made aware of an issue.  Always respect the coach by having a conversation with them directly, should you have any concerns regarding your child or his/her team. 

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