Happy Fall Classics Eagles Families,

I hope everyone is excited for another fantastic year of soccer!

As we get ready to start the Fall 2025 season, I want to take a moment to remind everyone about our expectations for parent behavior on the sidelines.

The energy on the sidelines can be just as intense as the action on the field. Parents play an enormous role in shaping the game-day environment—not only for their own child but for the entire team. The way we behave on the sidelines sends a message to players, referees, coaches, and even the opposing team.

When parents embrace positive sideline behaviors, they help create a space where players feel supported, respected, and excited to grow in the game. Here’s how we can all make sure our sidelines are a place where kids thrive.

1. Cheer for Effort, Not Just Results

Soccer is a game of learning moments, not perfection. Players—especially in the youth game—need encouragement to try new skills, take risks, and bounce back from mistakes.
Instead of shouting instructions or focusing on the score, try phrases like:

• “Great hustle!”
  
• “I love how hard you’re working!”
  
• “Keep going—you’ve got this!”
  

This type of feedback helps build confidence and resilience.

2. Let Coaches Coach

Every time a player hears conflicting instructions—one from a coach and one from a parent—it creates confusion. Our coaches work hard to develop game plans, teach tactics, and adjust strategies. Let’s allow them to guide the players during matches. Parents’ role is to encourage, not instruct.

3. Respect the Officials

Referees are human—just like players and coaches—and they are learning too. Sideline criticism not only sets a poor example for our young athletes, it can also create tension and distraction. A calm, respectful sideline teaches players that sportsmanship is bigger than any single call.

4. Remember: It’s Their Game

Youth soccer is about player development, friendships, and fun. It’s not about winning at all costs. The more ownership we give kids over their experience, the more they’ll grow as players and people. After the game, instead of dissecting every moment, ask:

• “Did you have fun?”
  
• “What’s something you learned today?”
  
• “What was your favorite moment?”
  
  

5. Model Good Sportsmanship—Always

How we act after a game speaks volumes. Shake hands, thank coaches, and congratulate players from both teams. A simple “Well played!” to an opposing player shows your child what respect looks like in action.

The Big Picture

Our children will remember how they felt during their soccer journey far more than the scores or standings. By being positive, respectful, and supportive, we as parents can help ensure the sidelines are a source of pride and encouragement.

The beautiful game is at its best when it’s played—and cheered for—with joy. Let’s make that our sideline standard every time our kids take the field.

Are you looking to join a Classics Eagles SC team for the Spring 2026 season? Fill out our inquiry form through the link below! Spring season will begin March 2026!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Scott Smith, CE Club Administrator, scottsmith@tocafootball.com.

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with GK1 Academy!

This fall, goalkeeper training will be led by Andy Brinkman and his outstanding team.

At CE, all players have access to weekly goalkeeper training at no extra cost.

Classics Eagles are excited to remind our athletes, families, and coaches about our new sports medicine partnership with Orthopedic ONE.

Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine providers will help to keep our players healthy and on the pitch.

Orthopedic ONE’s sports medicine providers will help to keep our players healthy and on the pitch.

This relationship affords our athletes and families a direct link to the region’s leader in orthopedic and sports medicine care – through access to the Sports Medicine Hotline and sports medicine coverage at designated events. In addition, Orthopedic ONE provides relevant education on preventing and treating
common sports injuries.

When an Orthopedic ONE Athletic Trainer is not on-site, athletes and families can easily connect with the athletic trainer on call through the group’s Sports Medicine Hotline.

Call the Sports Medicine Hotline at 614.827.8210 or email at SportsMed@orthopedicone.com.

Orthopedic ONE athletic trainers receive and respond to phone messages 7 days a week, between the hours of 8am – 7pm. Through the service, families can arrange for a no-cost injury evaluation with a certified athletic trainer at the nearest Orthopedic ONE site. Athletic trainers on call can help families determine the next appropriate steps following an injury, including everything from facilitating an appointment the same week with one of our orthopedic physicians to simply addressing your questions regarding sports medicine care and recovery.

Please note: If an appointment with a physician is warranted, traditional patient visit costs apply.

For more information about Orthopedic ONE and its sports medicine program, visit
OrthopedicONE.com.

The Youth Partnerships Program is a partnership program of the Columbus Crew to help grow the game of soccer in the Columbus and Midwest. The program is comprised of youth soccer organizations in Columbus and the Midwest.

The Crew will focus their work with these organizations in the areas of player development and coaching education in addition to providing commercial benefits to these organizations.