A player’s Message to Parents

This is a genuine letter written by a boy to his parents

Thanks for coming to support me today.

As my friends and l play, l want you to remember a few things:

• I am here to have fun, please encourage me and all the other players no matter which team we play for.

• You are representing me; please do not embarrass me by being negative, shouting or swearing.

• Please do not stand too close to the pitch, this can distract me from my game and I can’t concentrate properly.

• Please do not question the referee’s decision; our coaches will give us help if we need it.

• Do not coach me from the side, my coach is here to teach me and too many instructions will confuse me.

• I think doing my best and learning to play is more important than winning. Do not ask me the score; ask me if I had fun.

• Praise me for good skills, sportsmanship, discipline and effort. These are the things that make me a real winner.

• Do not criticise my mistakes as I will be scared to try things again. Mistakes will make me better as I can learn from them.

• Please do challenge any spectators that behave the wrong way. Tell them that we don’t allow negative behaviour.

• We have a responsibility to look after our pitch, please do not drop litter including this leaflet. Take it home or put it in a bin.

I hope to make you proud of me.

Please make me proud of you too.