Rick Davis, a PCA National Advisory Board Member, is a retired professional soccer player and former member of the U.S. National Team. He played with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, and was named Player of the Year in 1979. Davis was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001 and served as Executive Director of AYSO.

As a coach and sports-parent, Davis brings both perspectives to the table when he talks about the role of parents in the coach-parent partnership. In this clip, he stresses the importance of parents playing a supporting role for the coach. Kids need to understand that parents aren’t trying to coach them, but they are supporting the coach’s efforts. This will provide the most positive environment possible.

When a parent shows the coach support, it also reinforces to the young athlete that the coach is important, trustworthy and has the child’s best interest in mind. When kids know that their parents trust the coach, it is easier for them to also trust the coach.