Ask a Coach: Is My Child Learning if They Just Watch?

Did your child attend their first soccer classes this month? Did they refuse to participate, instead choosing to sit on the sidelines with you and watch other Tiny Troopers instead? If this was your child, you’re not alone! Many parents don’t realise that watching is learning in toddler soccer, and this is a topic that often surfaces with new families on Soccer Island, and one I’ve seen take place many times in my over 6 years of coaching for the program. The most important thing? Absolutely nothing is wrong!

Many new families expect participation to involve jumping in right away and moving constantly. They expect their little one will kick the ball, stick with the group, and follow all of the coach’s directions for the activities. However, it’s important to remember that toddlers and preschoolers experiencing soccer for the first time are experiencing a trio of new stuff- new activity, new place, new faces. For our young Tiny Troopers, watching is learning in toddler soccer. Standing back and observing is often part of this process. It’s not a sign that your child isn’t ready.

Why Some Children Watch Before Joining

We learn in a variety of ways, and young children are no different in this aspect. Some kids just jump into new situations right away, but others need time to observe before they feel comfortable participating. When a new Tiny Trooper (or maybe even a returning one!) stands back and watches, they are learning the routines, watching how different games work, watching other children play, and figuring out what feels safe. There’s even a name for this type of learning – observational learning! It doesn’t look active, but rest assured that your Tiny Trooper is taking in a lot of information and processing it all. This is why watching is learning in toddler soccer, even when it doesn’t look active yet.

What Participation Looks Like at This Age

So what does participation look like for a Tiny Trooper? There are many examples. A Tiny Trooper may stay on the edge of Soccer Island and hold onto their ball. They might choose to watch the dribbling skill practice, and then participate in Musical Balls the next time. Your Tiny Trooper might practice doing Penguin Walks, but take a break instead of doing the Penguin Talent Show activity. Finally, a Tiny Trooper might choose to simply work on skills at home later on instead of during class.

I’ve had families tell me that their Tiny Trooper, who wouldn’t participate during class, will go home and sing the songs I use, or they’ll dribble and trap in the backyard and make their grown-up join in. The latter has been my own personal experience with my son. This experience is proof that your Tiny Trooper is learning and retaining the information as well. They are simply doing it in a space that feels safe to them, surrounded by the people who make them feel safest. This is another example of how watching is learning in toddler soccer, and participation often shows up in unexpected ways.

Why Tiny Troops Soccer Doesn’t Rush Children

Confidence cannot be forced. When Tiny Troopers feel pressured to participate before they’re ready, it can increase their anxiety and make them more hesitant to join. As coaches, we want to move at the Tiny Trooper’s pace. We want to give each Tiny Trooper time to build trust and rapport with us. We want them to feel in control of their choices and develop confidence that lasts. Soccer Island is a friendly environment where Tiny Troopers are invited to join in. We know that watching is learning in toddler soccer, and confidence develops at different speeds. That’s why a coach will often invite your child to join from the sidelines. Sometimes they may ask about the things your Tiny Trooper is observing. We love it when our more hesitant Troopers finally join in and participate, and we celebrate that win right along with you!

How Parents Can Help

How you respond also plays a big role in how comfortable your Tiny Trooper feels. Here are some ways that you can help:

• Avoid bringing attention to the watching
• Use positive language
  • “You’re learning so much!”
  • “You can join when you’re ready.”
• Celebrate effort
  • “I love how you joined in and dribbled your ball.”
• Trust that comfort comes before confidence

The Takeaway

If your Tiny Trooper didn’t jump in right away, that doesn’t mean they aren’t learning. They are using observational learning to build their comfort and confidence levels. Participation will follow when they feel ready. Other Tiny Troops Soccer coaches and I are excited to support your Tiny Trooper as they grow and learn! Remember, watching is learning in toddler soccer, and comfort always comes before confidence.

Know a friend who might want to join us on Soccer Island? Share this Parent Playbook post with them and invite them to learn more about Tiny Troops Soccer today!