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11 Smart Tips for New AYSO Parents 

From Veteran AYSO Parents




  1. Make it fun, never a chore.
    Be excited about the games, enjoy the competition, but keep it lighthearted and never put too much stress on winning. -Karina Hanna


  2. Say thank you to every volunteer!
    Coaches, referees, team parents, board members, banner bringers, snack people, field maintenance, everyone. Without volunteers AYSO doesn't happen and anyone who gives whatever time and effort they have to give their child and everyone else's child an amazing soccer experience deserves a heartfelt thank you. -Carla Cramer Sackreiter


  3. Don’t miss your Region’s Parent Orientation.


  4. Be ready for fun, but also be willing to volunteer to help in any way you can.
    If you can’t coach, offer to help make the banner or organize snacks or be the team parent. Shag balls for the coach during practice. When you are on the sidelines, set an example by cheering loudly, but only in a positive way. Kids have fun when the parents come together to make every interaction a positive experience. -Andi McGirr Mannes  (How to find and sign up for a task)


  5. Be involved, but let the kids have fun!
    Don’t pressure them, just let them learn to love the game! Ask questions...And remember that everything is done by volunteers in AYSO, so before you start to criticize a coach, ref, or board member, think and realize they are doing it because they love kids and soccer and they are doing the best they can. -Julie Everett


  6. Sit back and enjoy.
    Your kids are having fun! -John Ouellette


  7. Remember the experience is about the kids, not you.
    If you don’t understand the game, take a referee and a coach course. It will really help you understand the rules! (Editor’s Note: You can take the basic courses online for FREE! Become a registered volunteer and visit www.aysotraining.org today.) -Mike Morrissey


  8. Pick up your child on time.
    Don’t put your coach in the bad spot of being a babysitting service.


  9. Praise the kids for playing their best, regardless if they won or lost.
    Or even if they were scared or shy, praise them for just getting on the field. Get excited about them just being out there. And, VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER. Your kid’s AYSO experience is as good as you make it :) -Stephanie Virardi


  10. Let the soccer field be the place where your children can run free, take risks,
    express themselves and leave all their worries behind them. -John Pomeroy


  11. When it's your turn to bring snacks, check to see if any players on the team have allerigies.
    Also think healthy, handy food items..   (Snacks for Games)
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