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Teach Youth Athletes Good Sportsmanship

By US Youth Soccer, 03/28/18, 12:00PM PDT

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Maintain self-control. Keep your cool, have a positive attitude and don’t overreact during practice or games. Be encouraging of other players.

There’s nothing like the elated feeling your children get after winning a game they’ve practiced for day and night. But that good feeling can quickly dissipate when faced with bad sportsmanship.

Youth sports are a great opportunity for kids to build self-esteem and learn the essentials of playing a game. But it’s also an opportunity for parents and coaches to teach the importance of good sportsmanship. While parents cheer for their kids on the sidelines, it’s also imperative for them to be positive role models and strong examples of what it means to be a good sport.