This Is What Kids Really Need From Their Parents on Futsal Match Day

I’ve been around futsal long enough to know that match day brings out big emotions—not just from the kids, but from the parents too.

You care. You want your child to do well. You want to see them succeed. I get it—because I’ve been there as a player, as a coach, and as someone who’s worked with thousands of young futsal players.

But over the years, I’ve seen how powerful (and sometimes damaging) the role of a parent on match day can be. That’s why I’m writing this—not as a lecture, but as a few things I truly wish more parents understood.

1. Let Them Play—You Don’t Need to Coach

If there’s one thing I could ask every futsal parent to stop doing, it’s shouting instructions from the sideline.

Your child is already trying to process the game, their coach’s voice, and their teammates. When you yell “Press!” or “Shoot!” or “Pass to him!”—even if your intentions are good—it usually just creates stress and confusion.

Let them play. Let them make mistakes. Let them learn. That’s what youth sport is for.

2. Focus on Effort, Not Just the Result

Goals are exciting. Wins feel great. But what’s more important than the score is the effort your child gives.

Celebrate the hustle. The moments they get back on defence. The way they support their teammates. These things matter more in the long run than whether they scored or won.

And the truth is, most kids will forget the score within a few days. But they’ll remember how you reacted to it for a long time.

3. Trust the Coach—or Find One You Can

If you’re constantly feeling the need to override or second-guess your child’s coach during games, it might be time for a conversation—or a change.

It’s simple: if you can’t trust the coach to guide your child on match day, you may need to look for a club or academy that’s a better fit. But don’t use that doubt as a reason to step in and take over during games.

The court is the coach’s space. Your job is to back them—or move on respectfully and find a better match for your child.

4. Stay Calm and Respectful—Especially When Things Get Heated

There will be bad calls. There will be tough losses. But yelling at referees or storming off in frustration doesn’t help anyone—especially not your child.

They’re watching you. They’re learning how to deal with pressure, mistakes, and disappointment—from you.

Be the calm. Be the example. That’s how we teach respect in sport.

5. Keep the Car Ride Positive

This one’s huge.

So many kids start to dread the car ride home because it turns into a post-match breakdown. Instead of feeling proud of what they did, they leave the game worrying they let you down.

Here’s my advice: don’t analyse. Don’t correct. Just be their parent, not their coach.

Say something simple, like:“I loved watching you play.”That alone means the world.

6. Be Organised and Present

Running late, missing shin pads, forgetting water—it happens. But when it happens every week, it sends the wrong message. Being prepared shows your child that their sport matters.

And just as importantly: your presence and energy before the game can set the tone. Kids pick up on everything—if you’re flustered, distracted, or rushing in last-minute, it adds unnecessary pressure and anxiety to what should be an exciting, enjoyable experience.

Arrive early. Help them settle in. Be calm, be engaged, and let them feel supported without added stress. Those small things make a huge difference.

7. You Help Shape Their Love for the Game

Every child’s journey in futsal will be different. Some will go far. Some won’t. But every single one deserves the chance to fall in love with the game—without fear, pressure, or perfectionism getting in the way.

Your role isn’t to push them. It’s to protect that love. To give them space to grow. And to be the steady support they can count on, win or lose.

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I say this with full honesty: some of the most talented kids I’ve worked with have dropped out of futsal—not because they weren’t good enough, but because it stopped being fun.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to your child.

You don’t need to be the perfect futsal parent. Just be present. Be patient. Be positive.

That alone makes a bigger impact than you can imagine.

– Andre Caro

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If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything in this article, I’d truly love to hear from you. It would be my pleasure to chat.

📲 You can contact me anytime on my social media: @andrecarofutsal