A Players’ emotional regulation acts as a foundational skill that directly influences their performance, decision-making, and long-term enjoyment of the sport. It helps young players manage stress, bounce back from mistakes, and maintain focus, reducing anxiety. It is a critical component of mental toughness and long-term development.
Tips to help your son/daughter stay composed on and off the pitch.
Supporting young footballers involves balancing encouragement with helping them manage emotional challenges inherent in competitive sports like football.
Car ride home rule:
The ride home is the most vulnerable time for a young footballer. Their adrenaline is dropping, and they are often hyper-critical of their performance.
- The Golden Rule:
Let them lead the conversation. If they want to talk about the game, listen. If they want to sit in silence or talk about what’s for dinner, let them. -
Avoid “Technical Critiques”:
Even if you saw a mistake, now isn’t the time. Processing a loss or a bad play takes emotional energy; adding a lecture on positioning can lead to an “explosion” or “shutdown.” -
Separate player from person:
Young players often equate self-worth with game performance, so praising effort over outcomes and encouraging diverse hobbies helps maintain a healthy identity. -
Develop a “Reset Ritual”:
In the heat of a match, emotions can snowball. Help your son/daughter create a 5-second physical trigger to “dump” a mistake and move on. For example adjusting their socks, snapping a wristband, or taking one deep “box breath” after a whistle. -
Model calm behaviour:
Young people mirror parental reactions; staying composed on the sidelines and demonstrating frustration management in daily life fosters emotional regulation in young footballers.
Go Well,
Dr. Jeff Kemp OAM
Board Director Gold Coast United FC
