Preparing for Grading Day ⚽️
Soccer grading day can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for kids. Proper preparation is key to helping them feel confident when they take the field. Here’s a mini guide to help you and your child get ready.
Week Leading Up to Grading Day
Start building skills early. Head to the park with your child and a friend to practice passing, dribbling, and shooting. You can also encourage your child to work on their fitness by doing simple agility drills. At home, your child can spend a few minutes each day juggling the ball. This can help them improve their ball control and confidence after the Summer break.
The Day Before Grading Day
Preparation the day before is ideal to prevent any last minute stress. Help your child pack their gear and a bottle of water. Remind them to hydrate throughout the day and eat a balanced dinner with a good mix of carbohydrates and protein. Lastly, ensure they get a good night’s sleep to wake up feeling rested and energised.
The Day of Grading Day
To help fuel your child’s energy, start the day with a nutritious breakfast, such as eggs on whole-grain toast or a smoothie with fruit and yogurt or a big bowl of oats. Arrive early to give you time to get your child checked-in. This will also allow them time to warm up and get familiar with the field. Offer words of encouragement to boost their confidence and remind them to have fun and not to put too much pressure on themselves.
Umina United gear will be available for sale at each grading session. You can take this opportunity to stock up on socks, shorts and training shirts for the season. 🦅
For Parents
As a parent, you play a vital role. Ensure your child is registered and all fees are paid BEFORE grading day. You can find more information about registration here. Familiarise yourself with the location and time for your child’s age group to avoid last-minute stress. Information on grading days and times is available here. Most importantly, be supportive—cheer them on and let them know that effort and a positive attitude matter most.
By planning ahead and staying supportive, you can help your child shine on soccer grading day!✨
