How to deal with an awkward football parent?

For a strart don't let your son get it down because he is obviously very keen and good at what he does. Secondly, why don't you team up with the other parents and all of you have an even quite word!

Before the first, I just want to say, that you shouldn't give me the ten points. Seriously. Also, I'm 17, and suicidal so my advice is really hypocritical sometimes. Another is that I'm overweight and you give me hope for love, which is really why I'm answering this. So thank you. First, you tell him this problem. He deserves to know and it's a precautionary for step two. He should be able to know about your family and how they react towards fat people and such. If you'd like to try the hard way, get him to work out. Take him to your parent's fitness center, so that it'll help that they know he's doing it for you. It'll soften your parents up. These precautionary steps are crucial to step two. Secondly, what you have to do is tell your parents about him in whatever way you like, and have them meet him, fat or not. Full frontal stay over for dinner type. And the dinner is crucial. It could be lunch or brunch or an afternoon snack or something as long as it involves food. They have to see. They're your parents, they should know you love him and that he loves you, and that's all there is to it. Whether he is fat or not is irrelevant. Although if it is really that important to them, then you have to show them the love you share. Thirdly, if they comment on him, at least he knows why, because you talked to him. And they'd probably think twice about commenting if he tries out at your gym. Hopefully it'll go swell. Throughout the dinner, show them his good side, and other traits that can show that he is an asset. I know it sounds mean to do so, and it's a crazy idea, but still. Try. If this plan does not work, then it's your choice. He's your guy, and you love him, right? That shouldn't stop because of your parents unless you're below 14 years old or something, which I highly doubt. Take care, wish you the best of luck, and just try. A friend, Matt.

Ive been coaching for 20 years, high school, elite teams, etc ... The first rule I make every year is that parents stay away from the team. They aren't allowed near the Bench during the game, if they want to hand over a Gatorade or something then fine but other than that they stay away. Second rule of thumb is playing time. At that age you should be developing the kids and teaching them fundamentals... Your son needs to call a parent meeting and let everyone know that he's in charge and that parents need to accept it and move on. Also if parent's have questions or concerns to Email or Call a coach. I have been teaching kids that if they don't like how or where they are playing that they need to come to a coach and ask what it is they need to do in order to play more etc ... That keeps the parents away as far as possible. I get at 7 they can't do that but as they get older, that's something to teach. As far as the dad goes. Bad idea to let him stay in the bench area ... Your son needs to let him know HES in charge and if he needs any help then the father can help out ... Practice etc he can ask the Dads to help with drills etc .. But come game time, there's 1 coach and that's it ... I hope this helps ! Parent's think their kids are the next best thing and its hard for them to accept otherwise ... Good luck to your son... I hope he has fun even though they are giving him a hard time ! !

Maybe it's time that your son had a word with the club chairman and explain that he needs the club chairman's backing and full support in this situation. It sounds like this bloke is taking advantage because your son is a teen. Your son needs to take the bull by the horns and make it clear who the manager is and who is the assistant. If the chairman has any balls, he will support your son.

Good Luck.