Building self-confidence and resilience

Positive feedback is a key tool in the development of young footballers. Well-delivered praise and constructive evaluation can significantly influence a child's motivation, confidence, and overall relationship with sport. It is important for parents to learn the art of giving effective and supportive feedback.

The importance of positive feedback

Positive feedback helps create an environment where children feel safe and motivated to develop further. Regular recognition of effort and progress promotes healthy self-confidence and builds positive associations with sporting activities. It is important for children to view sport as an opportunity for growth and learning, not as a source of stress.

When given appropriately, positive feedback also helps build a resilient mindset where children are not afraid to make mistakes and see them as a natural part of learning. By valuing the learning process and effort rather than just results, parents help children develop a healthy attitude towards challenges and setbacks.

Timing and delivery of feedback

The timing of feedback is as important as its content. Immediate praise following good performance or effort has the greatest impact, but it is also important to respect moments when a child may need time for self-reflection. Parents should be sensitive to their child’s mood and readiness to receive feedback.

The form of feedback should suit the situation and the child’s personality. Some children prefer private encouragement, while others appreciate public recognition. Choosing an appropriate tone and delivery ensures feedback feels authentic and is not exaggerated or insincere.

Specificity of praise

Effective feedback is clear and specific. Rather than using vague phrases like "good job," it is better to describe the specific action or behaviour you want to praise. For example: "I noticed how well you read the game and passed to your teammate in a better position." Specific praise helps children understand exactly what they did well.

It is also important to recognise a variety of aspects of performance, not just technical skills. Acknowledging teamwork, sportsmanship, perseverance, or creative problem-solving contributes to a well-rounded understanding of success in sport.

Building self-confidence

Positive feedback is a powerful tool for fostering healthy self-confidence. It is important to help children recognise their strengths and the progress they are making. Parents should encourage realistic self-assessment and help children set achievable goals that strengthen their belief in their abilities.

Building self-confidence also involves teaching children how to accept compliments and how to evaluate their own performance. Parents can guide children in developing their own internal standards of success, rather than relying solely on external validation or results.

Constructive criticism

While maintaining a positive tone is important, constructive criticism is sometimes necessary. It should always focus on specific behaviour or actions, not the child’s personality. The "sandwich method"—placing constructive feedback between two positive comments—is an effective approach.

When offering constructive criticism, it is helpful to provide suggestions for improvement and express confidence in the child’s ability to progress. Criticism should be motivating and future-focused, rather than reproachful or fixated on past mistakes.