Player development
How to keep your child in sport: fun, respect and development
Why children drop out of sport, and how fun, respect and gradual development keep them playing.
By Waterloo City FCOctober 11, 20265 MIN READ
In this article
Children stay in sport when it is enjoyable, safe and fits their level. Three ingredients matter most.
Three ingredients
01
Fun
Games, stories and challenges instead of repetitive drills.
02
Respect
For teammates, opponents, coaches and the game.
03
Development
Skills grow step by step, at the child's pace.
How our sessions are built (target time split)
Playing with a ball70 %
Small games20 %
Instruction10 %
These shares describe the Waterloo City FC target for young groups: almost all the time with a ball.
Mindset
We always think about winning, and we accept life, its challenges and defeat. That balance builds resilient players.
Frequently asked questions
When should training become more serious?
When the child asks for it. Seriousness should follow interest.