Parents and Coaches Together (PACT) is an educational program developed at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Ethical Education and Development. The program is based on the latest research from developmental and sports psychology and is designed to help coaches and parents to get on the same page in successfully creating a positive and nurturing climate in Minnesota youth soccer.
PACT helps parents and coaches work together to create a positive climate for youth soccer players and their families. While most parents and coaches “get it right” and an overwhelming majority of youth athletes enjoy soccer and report positive experiences —room for improvement clearly exists.
It is likely that parents perceive that “coaching from the sidelines” is not distracting to their children. Children tell a different story.
Athletes, parents and coaches have reported the following:
- 34% of athletes have been yelled at or teased by a fan.
- 15% of athletes say their parents get angry when they play poorly.
- 90% of parents report that people on the sidelines “never” or “almost never” distract athletes from focusing on the game.
- 26% of parents report people “never” or “almost never” coach from the sidelines (meaning 74% do witness coaching by adults other than an official coach from the sidelines.)
- 6% of coaches report they “never” hear coaching by other adults from the sidelines (meaning 94% do hear coaching from the sidelines.)
Why is it important for you to participate?
Because research shows that youth athletes who are having fun:
- Develop a better sense of self
- Achieve more both athletically and academically
Young athletes participate in sports because it is fun, and they learn new skills, make friends, improve fitness and enjoy the competition. Coaches and parents create a climate that influences young athletes’ sport enjoyment and participation. Adults are a critical part in ensuring youth continue to play soccer and more importantly enjoy soccer.
SIGN UP HERE... For the next PACT event hosted by Centennial SC.