With the release of “Positive Parenting”, US Youth Soccer furthers its commitment to creating a supportive environment for young athletes. The US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department, in cooperation with the Coaching and Recreational Committees, has created this ‘view from the sidelines’ in an effort to create a positive learning environment for those involved in the lives of young soccer players. The Department is proud to provide a teaching tool designed for administrators, coaches, parents and anyone who cares about children to assist them in providing positive learning atmosphere for our children. The DVD will assist adults in helping young players play and keeping the fun in youth sports.

“The Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer DVD is yet another resource from US Youth Soccer to support the game for all kids,” said Sam Snow, director of coaching education for US Youth Soccer. “The DVD will contribute to a healthy and developmentally appropriate environment for youth soccer players.”

Positive Parenting discusses the practice and game environment as well as the ride home, each from the perspective of the players, referees and coaches.

"Positive Parenting addresses positive behavior and supportive techniques to enhance the players’ enjoyment of the game,” said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer. “The DVD is reasonably priced so it can be used by everyone and believe it to be an asset to those working with our youth players."

This presentation provides a unique blend of psychology/philosophy and interviews with children of various ages. This video provides insight on:

Why children play
Teaching sportsmanship by example
How to be supportive soccer parents
Developing vs. winning
Red cards for parents
Emotional needs of players
Keeping it all in perspective

"South Texas Youth Soccer, a proud member of US Youth Soccer, was excited to preview Positive Parenting at the 2006 US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop and Coaches Convention in Houston earlier this year,” said Ed Loucks, president of South Texas Youth Soccer Association. “The preview proved that US Youth Soccer is striving to maintain its position as the best in youth sports, period. Positive Parenting provides great insight to parents and anyone else involved in youth soccer to help them understand the children’s needs."

To learn more about Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer visit USYouthSoccer.org. USYouthSoccer.org also offers a number of resources for coaches, parents and soccer enthusiasts from DVDS, books, downloadable materials, articles on player development, coaching education and fitness to the latest news on the various programs offered by US Youth Soccer.