Soccer for Parents

We see it all the time-Strong parents yelling on the sidelines,  pushing their child too hard,  and trying to live vicariously through the child. Have you heard the story of todd marinovich and his father? Todd was born July 4th, 1969. He's a former American football player who played quarterback for USC and in the NFL. His father was a captain for USC during the 1962 football season.

Todd was a very good high school player.  He was the first freshman to start a high school football game in orange county. He broke the all time orange county passing record and national high school record.

So we know Todd was a great football player, but as you guessed, there is more to the story. Todd received alot of media attention. One headline read "ROBO QB: The making of a perfect athlete." HIs father wanted him to become the "perfect QB." An article talked about how Todd had never had a Big Mac, oreo, ding dong. At birthday parties he would take his own birthday cake and ice creame to avoid sugar and refined flour. 

After Marinovich's career had ended a columnist called his father one of history's worst sports fathers.

Todd's father was extreme. Todd eventually turned to marijuana and drinking during high school.  Later he was arrested for cocaine possession.  Ok, you get the point. Your seemingly good intentions to make you athlete son or daughter can backfire.  You don't want personal development to suffer at the expense of an overbearing parent. Use common sense and help your child have fun.

See the articles below for more information on sports child development.