Will Your Child Be the Next Ronaldo? How You Can Support Their Soccer Journey

Will Your Child Be the Next Ronaldo? How You Can Support Their Soccer Journey

By Daniel Kitchen

Is your child soccer mad? Do they spend hours kicking a ball around the house, or drag you to the park for endless practice? If so, you're not alone! According to Football Federation Australia (FFA), over 1.2 million Australians are registered soccer players, with the sport being the most popular team activity for kids under 14.

At EDGE Football Academy, we’ve put together a simple, effective THREE-step guide to help parents like you nurture and support your child’s passion for the beautiful game. With expert tips from our coaches, we’ll ensure your young Ronaldo is on the path to success.

1. PLAY is the WAY!

The foundation of grassroots football is fun, and that’s where every child’s soccer journey should start. Learning through play, with the guidance of a passionate coach, is critical to developing a lifelong love for the game.

If soccer becomes boring, stressful, or a chore, kids will lose interest quickly. That’s why coaches play such a vital role in keeping the game fun, simple, and motivational. According to research by the Youth Sports Trust, 78% of kids are more likely to stay involved in sports when they feel they’re having fun. So, remember—soccer should always be enjoyable!

2. Master the FOUR CORE Skills

To become a top player, your child must develop a solid technical foundation.

The FOUR CORE skills cover 95% of what any outfield player will do in a game of football:

• Striking the Ball: This includes short and long passing, shooting, and crossing.

• First Touch: The ability to control the ball with all permitted body parts.

• 1v1: Using moves, feints, and accelerations to beat an opponent.

• Running with the Ball: Whether it's dribbling in tight spaces or sprinting into open ones, this skill includes protecting the ball and changing direction.

• 
  

Coaching Tip for Parents: Pick one of these skills and create a fun game with your child that promotes repetition. For example, for First Touch, stand 5 meters from a wall, pass the ball against it, and see how many times your child can control the rebound without losing possession. Make it more challenging by using both feet or different parts of the foot. You’ll see rapid improvement—and your child will love the challenge!

3. Find a QUALITY Coach

To fully unlock your child’s potential, enrolling them in organized soccer is essential. Whether through an academy, a local club, or school programs, playing with peers and receiving professional coaching will accelerate their development.

When choosing the right coach, keep an eye out for a few key things:

• Nationally recognized coaching qualifications, such as FA Coaching Licenses.

• Sessions that keep kids active and engaged with plenty of ball touches, avoiding long waits or standing in lines.

• Coaches who create a positive, fun, and safe environment, giving children the confidence to express themselves on the field.

  
  

Pro Tip: Positive reinforcement is crucial for young players. Coaches who celebrate effort, improvement, and creativity over immediate results will help your child grow both on and off the pitch.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Following these three simple steps can make a world of difference in your child’s soccer journey. At EDGE Football Academy, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality coaching to players of all abilities. Our expert team knows how to keep training fun, engaging, and effective—ensuring every player has the opportunity to thrive.

Could your child be the next Ronaldo? Find out by joining one of our programs today. For more information, visit www.edgefootballacademy.com