What to Do If Your Child Doesn’t Like Their Soccer Team
(And How to Keep the Joy Alive)
You signed your child up for soccer hoping they’d make friends, learn teamwork, and have fun. But now you hear, “I don’t like my team.” Ouch.
Before panic (or guilt) sets in, know this: it’s a common challenge—and it doesn’t have to ruin the season. Here’s how to handle it with empathy, creativity, and calm.
1. Listen First—Without Fixing Right Away
Start by giving your child space to share what’s wrong. Ask:
“What’s making you feel this way?”
“Is it something about the kids, the coach, or the games?”
Sometimes, they just need to vent. Resist the urge to jump in with solutions before you fully understand.
2. Find Out the Real Issue
Disliking a team could mean:
Feeling left out socially
Personality clashes with teammates
A tough or negative coach
Frustration with playing time or positions
Knowing the “why” will help you figure out the best next step.
3. Validate Their Feelings
Even if it seems minor to you, it’s big to them. Try:
“That sounds tough.”
“I can see why that would make soccer less fun.”
Validation makes kids feel heard and supported.
4. Encourage Small Social Wins
If the issue is fitting in, try helping them connect off the field:
Invite a teammate for a playdate or casual kick-around at the park
Organize a fun “soccer snack” station after a game to break the ice
Read a soccer story together about teamwork (insert book title here)—then talk about what makes a good teammate
Small bridges can change the whole experience.
5. Focus on What They Can Control
Remind your child that they can’t control the team dynamic, but they can control their effort, attitude, and kindness. This teaches resilience—a skill they’ll use for life.
6. Make Soccer Fun Again
If games feel stressful, bring back joy at home:
Play silly soccer challenges (who can dribble the longest?)
Watch a big match together and cheer for both teams
Share inspiring soccer stories that show how friendships and teamwork grow over time
7. Know When to Make a Change
If your child truly dreads every practice and it’s affecting their love for the game, it may be time to consider another team next season. For now, encourage finishing the current commitment (if reasonable) while keeping soccer positive in other ways.
Final Thought
Not every team will feel like a perfect fit—and that’s okay. With your support, your child can learn how to navigate challenges, build resilience, and maybe even discover new friendships along the way. Soccer is more than a season; it’s a journey.
