Scouts Watch Parents too

Here's what they look for

Hey everyone,

Welcome to the new community members this week that subscribed. 🙌 

Every week we’re here for the football parents who are putting in the hard yards in the trenches.

The admin. The Whastapp groups. The journeys to training.

It’s all worth it though, let’s be honest.

We’re on that journey too - and it’s a pleasure to try and bring some value into your inbox every week. 💌 

We’ve got some wow moments, some drills and some insightful parenting advice for you.

And it only takes a minute or two to read…. ⏳️ 

Let’s get into it👇️ 

RAISING THE LEVELS

 🎭️ This clip is pure theatre

It has everything and we love it. 🚲️ 

😍 Dad knows he’s raising a real one

Watch the video. It’s no accident this kid has technique from young.

❤️ Proud Dad Marcelo watches son’s hat trick

Looks like Real Madrid have a Marcelo V2.0 on their hands.

SCOUTING REPORT

🚨 Scouts are watching more than you think

It might be news to many parents, but our behaviour matters, too.

In fact, it's a crucial part of the scouting process.

Chelsea are just one Club whose scouting network emphasises the importance of evaluating the family environment alongside player performance.

They monitor family participation patterns alongside player performance metrics during critical development windows (ages 6-8).

This multilayered approach stems from academic studies showing that 72% of academy dropouts correlate with familial pressure imbalances or support system failures. 👀 

Like much of the modern game - it’s data-led.

So here's how to make sure you're helping, not hindering, your kids’ journey:

Key Attributes Scouts Look For in Parents:

  • Emotional Intelligence: Stay calm during matches. Offer constructive feedback, not criticism. Scouts appreciate parents who model emotional regulation and provide process-focused feedback.

  • Developmental Philosophy: Encourage diverse sports participation. Support experimentation over specialisation. Align with long-term athlete development models to enhance your child's adaptability.

  • Healthy Boundaries: Let coaches lead. Keep your child's identity beyond football. Scouts value parents who maintain a healthy detachment and allow their children to develop independently.

Red Flags to Avoid:

  • Sideline Interference: Don't shout instructions. Respect officials and other parents. Such behaviours can immediately downgrade recruitment potential.

  • Development Sabotage: Avoid pulling your child from clubs. Be consistent with attendance. Scouts notice when parents disrupt their child's development path.

  • Emotional Contagion: Manage your anxiety. Avoid post-match grilling. Emotional stability in parents is crucial for a child's performance mindset.

Actionable Tips:

  • Pre-Scouting Prep: Create play spaces. Encourage self-organized games. This fosters independence and creativity in your child.

  • Communication: Use questions to guide reflection. Focus on learning, not just results. This approach helps children internalise their growth and learning.

  • Post-Match: Wait 24 hours before discussing performance. Celebrate progress, not just wins. This helps maintain a positive and growth-oriented environment.

Remember, our support can be the game-changer in a child's football journey.

But this also looks like pretty good all-round parenting advice.

It can be hard sometimes, but we have to find a way to balance passion with positive behaviour to pave the way for their success.

Not just in football - in life as a whole.

By understanding and adapting to these insights, we can enhance our child's chances of thriving in football - but become better parents, preparing them for the ups and downs of life along the way.

I’ll take that as a win. 🏆️ 

REPS REPS REPS

🛠️ Skills and drills and video tape

Some of the best from our timelines this week:

⚡️ Here’s why sprints are a vital part of the mix for footballers. Great stat and actionable training advice.

🔺 Cone drill with variations that you can do at home to improve dribbling. Here’s another filmed on a runway.

🙌 Synchronised drills like this are great fun - getting involved is everything to your child. Give it a go.

🆚 This 1v1 drill can be played in a variety of spaces - garden or park.

YOUR CLIPS

 🦁 Essi reacts to Aniballer community clips

We love the range of drills being shown in this little session and the results are there to see.

Çinar has quick feet, balance, coordination and an overall comfort with the ball that’s a joy to watch.

Follow a fellow Aniballer’s journey on Insta here.

 

What do you want to see more of?

Help us make the best version of the newsletter!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

We appreciate your support 🙏 

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Reply

or to participate.