Watching your child chase a goal is one of the most rewarding parts of parenting. Staying active and in the sport all year round is a fantastic life lesson in dedication and hard work. As a parent, your role shifts from cheerleader to support system, nutritionist, and logistics coordinator. Here’s how you can help your athlete prepare for our upcoming 4TL team tryouts (more info below).
1. Prioritize the Physical Foundation 💪
Your child’s success starts long before tryout day with consistent training. Your job is to facilitate and encourage safe, effective preparation.
- Schedule and Consistency: Help them set a structured workout schedule at least 3 times a week. This isn’t about intense training; it’s about establishing routine. Make sure they include 10-15 minutes of each in every workout: speed work, strength training, and endurance runs.
- The Fueling Station: Tryouts are physically draining, so the right diet is crucial. Focus on lean proteins (chicken, fish, beans) for muscle repair and complex carbohydrates (whole grains, sweet potatoes) for sustained energy. Don’t let them skip breakfast!
- Hydration Patrol: You’re in charge of the water supply. Remind them to drink water throughout the day, not just during practice. Electrolyte drinks can be useful after intense sessions, but water should be the primary focus.
2. Mastering the Mental Game 🧠
Football is as much mental as it is physical. Help your child develop the right mindset—the qualities coaches value beyond sheer talent. School is a great place to build these skills.
- Coachability is Key: Talk to your child about the importance of listening to the coaches (and their teachers). They must accept feedback gracefully, even when they’re tired or frustrated, and immediately try to apply the correction. This shows respect and potential.
- Emphasize Effort Over Perfection: Remind them that coaches/teachers are looking for maximum effort on every single drill/task. It’s better to make a mistake at full speed than to perform perfectly at half-speed. Encourage them to hustle on the field and in the classroom.
- Handle Pressure: Tryouts are stressful. Normalize the pressure. Remind your child to focus on the present moment. They should concentrate on the current drill or rep. Don’t worry about who is watching or whether they will make the team.
3. Logistics and Emotional Support ❤️
Minimize external stress on tryout day by having everything organized and offering unwavering emotional support.
- Gear Check and Double-Check: Make sure their gear is ready a few days before and check the fit. Are their cleats in their bag? Do they have a mouthguard? Water bottle? A clean towel? Eliminating last-minute panic helps maintain focus.
- The Warm-Up Plan: Get them to the field early. They need at least 15–20 minutes to check in, stretch properly, and get mentally centered before the start. Early is on-time.
- Your Role on the Sidelines: Your presence is supportive, not intrusive. If you plan to attend, maintain a positive, calm demeanor. Avoid yelling instructions or critiques from the sidelines—that’s the coach’s job. Your job is a hug and a “good job, I’m proud of you” afterward, no matter the outcome.
The best preparation is one that balances discipline with encouragement. You’ve prepared them well; now, let them go out there and show the coaches what they can do!
4TL Football Tryout Date, Time, and Location
December 6, 2025 12-2 PM All Access Sports, 75 Neal Court, Plainville, CT
Want to read more about our Winter Football and Spring/Summer Flag Tryouts?
Ready to sign your child up for tryouts?
Good luck to all the kids during tryouts!
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