Parents of children playing soccer know how much they enjoy the games and training. Unfortunately though, some parents do go over the top in support of their children, and that ugly parental behaviour is on the rise for many children’s sports.

To help parents make the most of their childrens’ sport, NSW Department of Sport and Recreation has produced Kids Sport - A Very Real Guide for Grown Ups.

To read the publication, click here.

All of us have a role in reducing abuse in sport. The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation has produced Child Protection - Guidelines for parents/guardians and children a practical guide in explaining your role as a parent or guardian, your role as a player (child), dealing with child abuse, and provides checklists for both parents/guardians and players.

To read the publication, click here.

If so please read the attached form. It outlines the procedures you must go through which will allow your child to wear glasses in a game. click here

For under 6s, 7s, and 8s there are special playing rules recognising that soccer for these age groups is not competitive but mean't to be a fun, learning experience. There are also other special rules for Under 9s. For all the details click here

Note For Parents

In the under 6s (in the age range 4 to 6), at the end of the year some children will progress to the under 7s while some of the team will remain in the under 6s.

Since 2000, Strikers have had a policy that, other than in exceptional circumstances of family hardship, new players to the Club must play in their proper age groups. The policy is based upon experience in administering sub-junior teams and also takes account of differing levels of physical and emotional development in young players.

Unfortunately, when only one or two of an under 6s team remain in their age group, parents often want their child move up an age group with the rest of their team. The Club appreciates that such a split is difficult, but  we believe that such a change is easier to make at a younger age than when a player has been in a team for two, three or even more years.  It is also our experience that at this age children adjust rapidly into their new teams making (along with their parents) new friendships.

Strikers appreciates that this policy may cause frustation for parents, and asks for your understanding.

Parents and Spectators

• Encourage children to participate. Do not force them. Remember that organised sport is for children’s enjoyment not yours.
• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.
• Encourage players to always participate to the rules and official’s decisions.
• Never ridicule or yell at a children making a mistake or losing a game. Positive comments are motivational.
• Remember that children learn better by example. Applaud good performance and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the games outcome.
• Respect official's decisions and teach children to do likewise. Respect for your team’s opponents without them there would be no game.
• Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Do not use foul language or harass players, coaches or officials.
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by spectators, coaches, officials or players.

For full details refer to our Codes and Grading page.

Coerver coaching is the premier youth soccer coaching program in the world, designed and developed to improve individual players in small-sided groups and in small-sided games. It is aimed at all young players (boys and girls) between 5 and 15 years.

A systematic coaching development program, Coerver combines step-by-step coaching techniques with the moves of the world's greatest players and creates a unique coaching experience for players and coaches involved with youth soccer.

Coerver runs in excess of 40 camps in Sydney during each school holidays. In previous holidays the closest camp has at Belrose/Frenchs Forest in association with the Wakehurst club, but now young Strikers players will have Coerver on their doorstep.

For details or to register your interest contact Soccer NSW on 8814 4434, or visit their website - Coerver Coaching Australia